“Maybe you’re not such a bad influence after all, Tess.”

Mason laughed, amazed that Tess had talked him into swimming in the ocean…with his clothes on, no less. What was even more amazing was that it felt good.

“Me? A bad influence?” She kicked closer to him, until the warmth of her body surrounded him and her lips hovered over his. “Never.”

His gaze fastened on her mouth. He swayed closer to her. Laughter from a group farther up the beach grew loud.

“Maybe we should head out of here.” Mason pushed away from her, toward the shore.

A seductive smile curved her lips. “But you were going to kiss me.”

“Was I?”

“Yes, you were. I saw it in your eyes.” She tilted her head in a familiar gesture. “What’s wrong? Too stuffy to kiss me in public?”

“Nope, just want some privacy.” He swam closer to her. “Because when I kiss you again, I intend to enjoy the hell out of it.”

Dear Reader,

Maybe it was because I grew up with four sisters, but as I developed Nikki’s story in The Morning After (Harlequin Blaze #196) I was thrilled to discover that Nikki had sisters of her own.

Tess, my heroine in So Many Men…, came to me the strongest with her colorful personality and way with men. To me, she captured the free spirit so many of us bury beneath our more responsible roles. It was cathartic to let her run free, then rein her in as she grew to find a more fulfilling side to her life.

I hope you enjoy So Many Men…, where love heals all. Look for Erin’s story, Faking It, the final installment of SEXUAL HEALING, coming in October 2005.

As always, it’s a pleasure to share my stories with you. Feel free to write me at dorie@doriegraham.com or P.O. Box 769012, Roswell, GA 30076. Also, please visit my Web site at www.doriegraham.com.

Best wishes,

Dorie Graham

So Many Men…
Dorie Graham

www.millsandboon.co.uk

MILLS & BOON

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I dedicate this to my Georgia Romance Writers writing sisters. Each of these women has contributed in some way to my growth and success as an author: Adrianne Byrd, Anna DeStefano, Donna Sterling, Carmen Green, Stephanie Bond, Patti Callahan Henry, Rita Herron, Karen Kendall, Tanya Michaels, Patricia Lewin, Heidi Umbhau, Rachelle Wadsworth and Ann Howard White, as well as all the ladies in the Georgia Romance Authors Network and so many others I don’t have room to list. I am eternally grateful for your friendship and support.

Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

1

HOW MANY MEN COULD one woman handle? Tess McClellan inhaled a deep breath as the Miami Dolphins scored a touchdown on the TV and chaos erupted around her. A dirty gym sock flying by her head and the ringing of the doorbell added to the commotion, drawing loud hails for the pizza deliveryman.

“Sorry, Tess, I was aiming for Ramon.” The owner of the sock grinned sheepishly at her.

Tess shook her head and extricated herself from the couch, amid the objections of no less than three of her male companions who were using her as a pillow. She glanced around at the group of men, all her ex-lovers. She had loved each one heart and soul, loved them still in fact.

Why then this growing dissatisfaction?

“Where you going, sweetheart? The game’s just getting good.” Ramon, her most recent ex, tugged at her hand, urging her back to the couch.

“I…I need some fresh air.”

“I’ll come with you.” He set down his beer, but she shook her head.

“Don’t get up. They’re starting again.” She nodded toward the TV. “I’ll be right back.”

“You sure?” Ramon asked, but his attention had already riveted back to the action on the screen.

Tess sighed. Lately, this need for distance from her minions, as her sisters had dubbed her collection of men, gnawed at Tess more and more. She let her gaze drift over the half-dozen men sprawled around her living room. They’d do anything for her. She had but to insinuate a need and they fought over who would fulfill it, whether it be picking up her dry cleaning, cooking her dinner or fixing her broken toilet. And this was only half of them.

What woman would complain?

“Hey, Tess, we’re a little short on the pizza. Can you kick in?” Nate set a towering stack of pizza boxes on the coffee table already strewn with beer cans and half-filled bowls of chips. The men tore at the boxes with ravenous delight.

Tess glanced at the young Hispanic delivery guy standing wide-eyed by the door, then back at her own guys as they vied to see who could stuff an entire slice of pizza into his mouth first. Okay, maybe there was some reason for her dissatisfaction.

She turned to the newcomer. “Hold on just a second.”

With a shake of her head she walked to her bedroom, reminding herself of all the good her guys had done for her lately. Just that morning, Ramon had stored a week’s worth of meals in her freezer, Gabe had fixed the broken shelf on the bookcase in her bedroom, and Evan had finished scheduling her staff at the nursery for the upcoming week.

By the time she’d paid for the pizza she’d never eat, her heart swelled with warmth for all of them. Each one of them had been there for her, and if she needed them, they’d be there again. In a heartbeat.

The delivery guy nodded his thanks, then beat a hasty retreat. She stood in the door a moment and breathed in the heavy Miami air. The humidity still curled her hair, even this late in September.

Closing the door, she turned to her entourage. “I’m going out back to get a little air.”

A couple of them bobbed their heads, but between the pizza and the game, they hardly seemed to notice her. She did a quick scan of them, assessing the various emotions each felt. They all seemed content to one degree or another.

All was well. That meant she’d done her job. And though no deep emotion currently ran through the group—other than for how the Dolphins were faring—she felt no concern. This was the way it always was—the lull between lovers.

She headed through the kitchen toward the back door, bent on a few moments of solitude on the shaded deck, even if it meant frizzing her hair in the remaining afternoon heat.

As she swept by the kitchen table, she grabbed the newspaper. Maybe she could see a movie. Of course, it wouldn’t be as much fun by herself. Where was Erin? Her younger sister had made her presence way too scarce since their oldest sister, Nikki, had moved out.

“I don’t need Erin,” Tess assured herself as she settled in the padded lounger one of her guys had given her—she forgot which one—last year for her birthday. She opened the paper. “Now, what’s going on in the world?”

But instead of the headline news, she’d grabbed the community section. She skimmed the list of upcoming events. Maybe she needed a little community involvement—a new charity to distract her. She hadn’t volunteered for anything in quite a while. Maybe that was what was eating at her.

She scanned the options. United Way…Friends of the Elderly…Dade County Women’s Club—a women’s club? What did they do?—Make a Wish Foundation…

She bit her lip. A women’s group? That would mean no men. No testosterone, no dirty socks flying about, no paying for pizza she’d never eat…

Maybe that was what was troubling her—what this…emptiness in her life was. With her mother traveling abroad with her latest lover and her sisters tied up in their respective lives, was Tess merely craving female companionship?

But would she find friends in the Dade County Women’s Club? A feeling of trepidation stole over her. Memories of high school flashed through her mind. She hadn’t intentionally set out to date the head cheerleader’s boyfriend, or the senior class president, or the star quarterback. She hadn’t realized the power of her smile or even of an interested glance.

She hadn’t known then that she had the McClellan gift of sexual healing.

The animosity of every female in school quickly had clued Tess in, though, that she was…different. As much as she’d tried, she couldn’t make up for the continued interest of guys. She’d never had a girlfriend and, after a time, she’d given up. She’d had her sisters, after all, and she’d liked having so many male companions. And as she’d grown up, she’d enjoyed them as lovers.

But now something was wrong. The disquiet she’d experienced lately rippled through her. Did the women’s club hold the answer to what was missing from her life? That group wouldn’t have any men to distract her. Maybe she’d find acceptance among her female peers and she’d be giving to her community, something she’d always found fulfilling in the past.

She read the announcement again. There was a luncheon on Sunday—tomorrow.

Should she go?

“Josh, go long.” A muffled yell filtered through the window, followed by a crash and the tinkling of broken glass.

She folded the paper and tucked it under her arm as she rose to investigate the latest upheaval in her home.

A testosterone-free afternoon.

How could she resist?

“ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT to do this?” Nate peered at her through the open car window, his dark eyes questioning.

She buckled her seat belt, then gripped the wheel, ignoring the tightening in her gut and the alarming urge to invite him along. She’d gotten way too used to having her own little entourage escort her everywhere. “I’m sure. I’ll be fine. It’s just a luncheon. Should be fun. I’ll be back before you know it.”

“Okay, Josh and I are going to hit a few balls on the courts.” His shoulders eased in a slight shrug. “If you need anything, just call.”

“I’ll be fine,” she reiterated, a nervous smile tugging at her lips. Was she reassuring him—or herself? “It’s just a meeting of the Dade County Women’s Club. What could happen?”

He stepped away from the car, frowning. “Not sure why you think you need to rub shoulders with those women, but knock ’em dead.”

“Thanks, Nate. I should be back in plenty of time for dinner.”

“We’ll heat up one of Ramon’s specialties.”

The sun glanced off a bumper in front of her a short while later. A panhandler peered at her from a street corner, looking downtrodden and wearing too many layers of clothing in the heat. Her heart gave a little squeeze. She didn’t have time now, but she’d bring him some food on her way back.

Lifting her chin, she gripped the wheel and focused on the road. She could do this. She’d walk into this meeting with her head held high. Without a man in sight she shouldn’t have any problems striking up friendships with the club members.

A short time later, she took a deep breath as she pushed through the doors at the Hennesy Hotel. Soft music filled the lobby. She followed a sign and the murmur of voices to a meeting room. With her stomach flip-flopping and a smile plastered across her face, she strode into the room.

“Good afternoon, may I help you?” A petite woman sitting at a table inside the door greeted her.

“Um, yes, I’m here for a luncheon with the Dade County Women’s Club.”

“Are you a visitor?” A wide smile broke across the woman’s face. “We’re always excited to have new people.”

“I saw your meeting announcement in the community calendar. I thought I’d come see what you were all about.”

“Welcome. This is our monthly member luncheon, where we hold our meeting and enjoy visiting with one another.”

“I think that I might be interested in joining, if that’s okay.” The words surprised Tess, even as they left her own mouth. She’d meant only to check them out.

“Of course it’s okay. We’d love to have you.” The woman extended her hand to Tess. “I’m Cassie Aikens, program chair.”

Smiling, Tess pumped her hand. “Tess McClellan. I’ve never actually done anything like this before.”

“Attended a luncheon?”

“Joined a women’s group.” She’d done it again—committed herself before she’d had a chance to think it through. Yet something about this woman encouraged Tess in a way she’d never hoped to be.

“It’s a lot of fun. I’ll introduce you to Terry Kingsley when she gets here. She’s this year’s membership chair.”

“That would be great.”

Another woman entered the room and greeted Cassie. Her gaze shifted over Tess, who smiled. The newcomer was an attractive woman, with every blond hair in place. Tess, with her tangle of red waves, couldn’t help but feel a little tug of envy.

“Hi, April, this is—”

“Tess McClellan.” Tess extended her hand.

“Tess has come to visit with us and maybe join our group,” Cassie said, adding to the introduction.

“April Emerson. How nice to meet you.”

“April’s our president. This is her fifth year. We all love her so much, we won’t let her step down.”

April’s shoulders relaxed and the smile she directed at Cassie seemed genuine. She handed Cassie a crisp twenty-dollar bill. “It smells wonderful, Cassie. Did you order the chicken amandine?”

“With asparagus and those seasoned potatoes you like.” She handed April her change, along with a ticket-like receipt.

April glanced around at the tables of chattering women. “Looks like almost everyone’s here. We should start soon. I think I’ll go get my food and sit.”

“We’re missing Terry. I want to introduce her to Tess, so we can get her signed up. We haven’t had a new member in a long while.”

April’s gaze again swept over Tess. “No, we haven’t.” Turning abruptly, she addressed Cassie. “Why don’t you finish up, then get your own food? I’d like to get started on time for a change.”

Cassie frowned. “Sure. I guess I’m pretty hungry. If Terry comes, she can find me.”

April left and Cassie shook her head. “She’s normally more friendly. She’s just going through a rough time right now.”

“Oh. Here—” Tess pulled her wallet from her bag. “I need to pay. There will be enough food, right?”

“Don’t worry about that. We always order a few extra meals for guests or speakers.” Cassie took Tess’s money, then handed her a receipt.

“Speakers? Who do you usually have?”

“Let’s see, last month a couple of women from the Garden Society did a nice talk on indoor gardens. And today we possibly have someone from Project Mentor. They’re on the schedule, but there’s a chance they might not show.” She shrugged. “It’s a new nonprofit organization, run entirely by volunteers. They take the big brother-big sister thing a little further— Look at me running on. We should grab our food. April will start before we get through our entrées.”

Closing the money box, Cassie motioned Tess toward several banquet tables laden with fresh bread, salads and serving dishes steeped in tempting aromas that made Tess’s stomach growl.

The food tasted as heavenly as it smelled, almost as good as one of Ramon’s creations. Tess swallowed a savory mouthful of the chicken and smiled as Cassie nodded in her direction. Her new acquaintance had led her to a table not far from the front, where a podium stood.

The women at her table had acknowledged her with cursory nods as Cassie had left to find a vacant seat nearby. Tess did her best to blend in as the women chatted to one another. She waited patiently for an opening in the conversation where she might add something witty or entertaining.

“Kevin is teething and he drools nonstop. Everything goes straight into his mouth and he soaks his little T-shirts right through, even though I keep a bib on him.” The brunette to her left leaned toward the woman beside her.

Not much Tess could add there. Frowning, she focused on the plump redhead to her right. “Then Daddy said he had corns on top of his corns and he would not walk another step. I thought Mama was going to skin him, right there. I have never seen her so angry.”

“Mmm, this asparagus is to die for,” Tess commented to no one in particular.

The others continued discussing teething babies and parents with foot problems. How could she jump in on any of these conversations? They were all talking about families—normal families.

What did Tess know about that?

In near desperation, she glanced across the table to where two women sat in deep conversation. “And he hates school. Doesn’t care for his teacher at all. It’s a battle to make him go every day. He complains about everything. He won’t do his homework. We have a teacher’s conference scheduled this week and I just dread it.”

Who was Tess kidding? She had nothing in common with these women. She could no more relate to their issues than they could relate to hers.

You see, I have this problem. I tend to collect men, first as lovers, whom I heal through sexual encounters, then as friends who stay on long after the loving. My sisters fondly call them my minions, because they do everything for me. I so much as hint at a need and it’s filled. But they can’t fill one of my most pressing needs—the need for female companionship. And though some may say that I do them all a great service in healing them, I feel I can do more to help my community. This is where you ladies come in.

Right, that would go over like a lead balloon. Why had she come? What made her think she could do this? Tess shook her head and looked over at Cassie. She waved and Tess relaxed a little. She’d made at least one connection, and that was better than she’d done all through high school and college combined. Maybe there was hope.

Cassie’s gaze swung to the door, and her smile faded. A sudden taut silence filled the air and Tess turned to see April glaring toward the back of the room. Tess followed the glare to a dark-haired man, standing just inside the door.

He was solid, with a strong build and virile presence that rolled over Tess in waves. Her gaze traveled up his length to lock with his. His eyes and hair were a nondescript brown and his features more angular than she preferred, but still she was entranced and surprised at her own reaction. Certainly, catching a man’s attention had never been a problem for her, but never before had she experienced this inexplicable draw. She braced her hands on the table and fought the urge to go to him.

Still, he held her transfixed and it took all her concentration to turn toward the front of the room. Her back ramrod straight, April moved to the podium, her expression heavy with censure as she glanced at Tess. A sense of bewilderment stole over Tess. What had angered April? Tess took a deep breath and struggled not to look at the man whose presence spiked the tension in the room.

The microphone came to life as April tapped it. “Excuse me everyone, I hope you’ve all had enough of this delicious meal. If not, please feel free to help yourselves to seconds. There’s plenty.”

She paused, but everyone remained seated, either with sated appetites, or apprehension over the obvious discord now present. She resumed speaking. “It seems we have a speaker who has arrived ahead of schedule, so I suggest we commence with that part of our program and leave the reading of the minutes and the business portion until later.”

A murmur of assent rippled through the crowd. The redhead beside Tess raised her hand. “I move we save the minutes and business part of our meeting until after our speaker.”

April smiled sweetly at the woman. “Thank you, Jen. Always nice to have you keeping us on track.” She addressed the group. “Are there any seconds?”

Someone seconded the motion, then it passed with a unanimous vote. April cleared her throat. “So, with no further ado, here’s Dr. Mason Davies to discuss his Project Mentor.”

She walked stiffly to her seat as Dr. Davies strode up the aisle. He moved with a forceful grace, even though tension radiated from the tight set of his jaw and shoulders. He paused when he passed April’s table. “Thank you.”

April stared at him evenly, but made no comment as he continued to the podium. He adjusted the microphone, then let his gaze scan the room. “I’d like to thank you all for having me here today. I appreciate your time and consideration—especially your consideration. I won’t beat around the bush. I’ve come here to ask for your help.”

The low timbre of his voice vibrated through Tess, filling her with surprising swirls of awareness. His gaze again scanned the crowd, before coming to rest on her. Heat rose in her face as, spellbound, she couldn’t look away.

Who was this man?

“For those of you who aren’t familiar with Project Mentor, it’s a program of volunteers working to help atrisk teens and children who have been exposed to drug abuse and/or HIV in their families. It’s a nonprofit organization sponsoring workshops and other events designed not only to help relieve some of the immediate burdens these kids face, but also to help them plan for their futures.

“These kids are the unfortunate victims who fall between the cracks at school and in our communities. They struggle with issues no child should have to deal with, yet they live it. Some of these kids don’t know what it’s like to eat three square meals a day, have proper medical and dental care, or attend school on a regular basis. Many of them have given up by the time they reach us.”

He paused. His passion for this project reached out to Tess and empathy swelled through her—for the children, for this man who cared enough that he faced this roomful of less-than-welcoming women. He and April certainly had some issues to work out. The pressure between the two of them was nearly a physical thing.

“What exactly is it that you’re asking of us, Dr. Davies?” The question came from one of the women at April’s table.

“That’s an excellent question. Our hope is that you’ll lend us a hand with some fund-raising.”

“What kind of fund-raising?” another of April’s group asked.

“That would ultimately be for you to decide, but at Project Mentor we had talked about a big gala or ball where the proceeds would go toward creating a youth center. We would, of course, welcome all youths, but our focus is on the ones we find through the free clinic we established two years ago in downtown Miami.

“Even though that clinic has experienced great success, we have seen more and more patients strung out on drugs and with HIV. When children are involved, our choice in the past has been to help the parents as best we could, then send them back to deal with their families as best they could. Unfortunately, they often don’t deal well with the added pressure of raising children, especially teens.

“Though we have a mentoring program in place for these kids, we’re finding it isn’t enough. There’s a real need to provide a feeling of community for them, a sense that they belong somewhere. If we don’t supply that connection, they find it in gangs or other unfavorable settings. A youth center would help prevent that.”

Tess glanced around expectantly, subduing the urge to jump to her feet and volunteer the group. She hadn’t yet officially joined their ranks. So it wasn’t her place to say anything. Surely, these women would put aside their differences for this higher purpose.

April straightened in her seat, though she remained closed off, her arms folded across her chest. “Why can’t your group arrange this ball on its own?”

“You ladies are known for your fund-raising abilities. We could make an effort, but all of us have careers in addition to our volunteering with the project. We simply don’t have the resources or connections you do. The gala is guaranteed success if the Dade County Women’s Club is associated with it.”

Silence reigned over the room. April uncrossed her arms and sat forward. “I don’t see how we would have the time to help you. We have several other projects we’re currently tied up with and our own gala event not far around the corner.”

Disbelief flashed through Dr. Davies’s eyes. “But that’s nearly nine months away. Surely you’d have time to handle this event.”

April rose, her eyes narrowed. “I don’t think so. There’s a lot that goes into planning any event as you so clearly point out, but I can’t speak for the entire group.” She gestured to the tables around her. “What do you think? Can we help Dr. Davies with his project?”

Tess stiffened at the note of warning in her voice. She held her breath as not a soul offered an opinion. How could these women just sit there? Did April swing so much clout that she could cow everyone into not helping?

Fisting her hands in her lap, Tess fought the urge to offer her services. She didn’t even know these women. Why would they listen to her? Acting against April would most likely cost Tess any chance at making friends. And so much for service work with the group.

She glanced up to find his gaze on her and froze.

His dark eyes beseeched her. What could she do? Surely one of the other women would say something.

“I see.” The defeat in his voice cut deep. “Then I won’t be taking any more of your time.”

Tess took another deep breath as he exited, but it did little to ease the knot of regret forming in her stomach. She stared at the empty doorway. The man had left. There wasn’t anything she could do about it now. Besides, chances were another group would come to his aid. If he was a doctor, he must have all kinds of connections.

The women’s club seemed to have other charities it was involved in. Surely she’d find another project she’d feel good about helping with. And there was the added bonus of making women friends. She’d come here to get away from men. She sipped her water and tried to relax. With the good doctor gone, now maybe she could get on with building some kind of relationship with her own kind.

2

SHE WASN’T THEIR KIND. Everything about the redhead at the women’s club told Mason Davies that she was cut from a different cloth. He closed his eyes against the image of the memorable woman who’d captured his attention. Though she’d sat in their midst, she was as different from those women as he was.

He’d seen the emotion shining in her blue eyes when he talked about the project. She’d understood the need—the fact that this event was worthwhile. Somehow, he had felt her dismay at the lack of support.

Yet, she’d sat silently as he’d left in defeat. He couldn’t believe she was so like them. Something about her—maybe her bearing—seemed to say she’d made up her own mind about things, even though she’d held her tongue.

He shook his head. He needed to forget the redhead and focus on a new plan. She certainly wasn’t giving his project—or him—any second thoughts.

Plastering a smile on his face, he continued down the hospital corridor to his next patient’s room. Vases of flowers topped the dresser and nightstand. Peggy Williams was fortunate. Her husband had barely left her side since her arrival yesterday and it looked as though more family members had arrived today.

She smiled at him, only half her mouth lifting. He moved to the side of the bed. “Good morning, Peggy. How are you?”

She nodded slightly. “Um…ah…” She shook her head, frowning in frustration.

He glanced over her chart. “I see you ate better today. No problem swallowing?”

“Ah…um…no.”

“Good.” He paused to take her pulse.

“She ate a good bit of her lunch, though she had some trouble with the soup. Her hand was a little shaky and she kept spilling. I wanted to help her, but the nurse said that it was best to let her try on her own,” Brad Williams explained.

“Soup?” Mason glanced at the lunch tray that had been pushed to one side. “That’s great.”

“This is our daughter, Paige, and her two girls, Leslie and Sarah.” Brad gestured to the worried-looking brunette standing next to him and the two youngsters clinging to her sides.

“It’s a pleasure.” Mason smiled at the girls. A vibrancy and innocence that he saw in far too few children these days radiated from them. “I think it’s helped your grandmother’s spirits to have her family near. It’s wonderful she has you to cheer her up.”

He straightened and addressed both Brad and Paige. “The nurses were quite concerned yesterday that she seemed depressed. That can be tough on recovery. Having this kind of support can make all the difference to a patient.”

“So what can you tell us, Doc? Will she recover?” Paige smoothed her daughter’s hair.

“It’s difficult to say. I don’t want to give you any false hope, but the stroke was mild and it helped that your father brought her in right away. She’s weak and recovery will take time. I’m referring her to a physical therapist as well as a speech therapist for her aphasia.”

“Aphasia,” Mr. Williams repeated. “That’s her difficulty with her speech?”

“Yes.”

“Is that why she can’t tell us stories?” The smaller of the girls stared at him, wide-eyed.

“The language center of her brain was damaged, which isn’t unusual in these cases. Your grandmother is as smart as she ever was, but it may take a little time before her brain rewires itself and she can tell you stories again.”

“She has to learn to speak all over again?” Mr. Williams squeezed his wife’s hand.

“Yes, more or less. The brain is a remarkable tool, though.”

“She said ‘hi’ when we came in,” the older girl said.

Her mother smiled at her, then turned to Mason. “When can we take her home?”

Mason glanced at his watch. Much of the day had already passed. “Let me see if I can get the speech and physical therapists in to check her out. We also need the social worker to see her and talk to all of you.”

Mr. Williams glanced up. “Social worker?”

“It’s standard. We need to be sure Peggy has all the support she’ll require while she recuperates. We have to determine what kind of in-home care we need to supply. Once she’s home she’ll have a nurse checking on her—we’ll decide how often and for how long. It’s good that Peggy is eating without any difficulty.”

Her husband nodded. “Can we take her home today? I know she’ll sleep better in her own bed.”

“We definitely want to get her home as soon as possible.” Mason made a few notes, then returned the chart to its holder. “Let me see what I can do.”

“Thank you, Dr. Davies.”

As he headed to the nurses’ station, Mason couldn’t help but compare this family to the ones he met at the free clinic downtown. They were a world apart.

Regret flooded him. If only he’d been able to convince the women’s club to help Project Mentor. Obviously, April was holding a grudge and she held all the clout with that group.

It was a damn shame.

“WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?” Nikki McClellan asked Tess Tuesday afternoon, as they strolled through the mall, shopping bags in hand.

Tess inhaled a deep breath. Why had she even mentioned Mason Davies to Nikki? Tess should have known her sister would react this way. Talk about ruining their time together.

“I’m sure he’ll find someone else to help him. It is a worthwhile project,” Tess said. “I’m not denying that, but it isn’t as though he doesn’t have resources of his own. He’s got a whole organization with who knows how many volunteers. I don’t see why he needed the DCWC anyway.”

“DCWC?”

“The Dade County Women’s Club.”

“Tess, this is not like you. You can’t walk by a homeless person without giving food or money. Are you telling me you sat there and said nothing while those women turned him down?”

“It wasn’t my place to say anything. Terry Whatsit, the membership chair, never showed up, so I haven’t even officially joined. How could I possibly speak for a group I’m not yet a member of?”

“For pity’s sake, those kinds of details have never stopped you before. And since when are you keeping your opinion to yourself?” Nikki asked.

“I just expressed my opinion. It’s a worthwhile cause.”

“I’m not the one you need to be saying that to. I really cannot believe you didn’t give the club an earful.”

Frustration swelled in Tess. She hated Nikki’s lectures, even when they were justified. “Maybe they know something about him that I don’t. Maybe they have a solid motivation. There was definitely something off between him and April.”

“For all you know they were having some kind of lovers’ quarrel, and what in the world has that got to do with the fund-raiser?”

“Nothing. You’re right. I should have spoken up, but…”

“But what?”

“They were women, okay? I’m used to women hating me. You know how it’s always been. Why would they have listened to me, of all people? I’m an outsider. For once I just wanted to be…accepted.” Even as she said the words, Tess cringed.

How pathetic was she?

Nikki crossed her arms and stared at her, eyebrows raised. “I hear that, Tess, but you know what you have to do.”

Tess stared at her sister. Nikki had women friends. Did she understand that if Tess took on this project, she could kiss her plan to make her own friends goodbye?

“Okay…I’ll go talk to this guy. At least check out this project in a little more detail.” Tess shrugged. “No promises, but we’ll see.”

“YOU KNOW WHO’S USING and who isn’t.” Mason took a deep breath as he faced Rafe Black, one of the teens he’d recently met through the clinic. They stood in an open area around a fountain in the park near Mason’s office. “You need to surround yourself with friends who aren’t.”

Rafe ran one finger along his eyebrow, where he had once worn a double stripe shaved at one end, a mark Mason feared showed the young man’s allegiance to a gang, though he denied it. “But these are my boys, you know? Maybe I can help them. Maybe if they hang with me, then they won’t use anymore.”

“Or you could be tempted to use again.”

“No way.” Rafe stepped back in disgust. “I’ve seen what that shit did to my old man. No way is that going to happen to me.” He thumped his chest. “I’m going to make something of my life, and if I can help some of my boys, then it’s all straight.”

“Will any of them come for the beach cleanup next Saturday?”

He shrugged. “I told them about it.”

“Will you come? I’m happy to pick you up, if you need a ride.”

“I can find my own ride.”

He hadn’t said he’d come. Even if he had, the odds were against Rafe sticking with the program. Mason felt a flicker of disappointment. “Well, let me know if not. It’s no trouble to swing by to get you on my way.”

“It’s all good. We’ll see what’s going down.” Rafe stood, stretching his six feet two inches of lanky muscle, the lines of the man he’d become already evident. “I’ve got to head out.”

Mason nodded. “We still on for some Hurricanes football?”

A wide smile spread across the young man’s face. For just a moment the premature aging around his eyes faded and he appeared the carefree youth he should have been. He spiked an imaginary football. “Orange Bowl? You know I wouldn’t miss it.”

Hope filled Mason as Rafe sauntered down the path through the park. Maybe there was a chance he’d beat the odds, after all.

“He’s lucky to have you.”

Mason started at the feminine voice behind him. He turned, surprised to see the unforgettable redhead from the DCWC meeting.

“Hello.” She extended her hand and smiled. “I’m Tess McClellan.”

Inexplicable heat suffused him. His pulse raced. He stared at her, caught in the beauty of her smile until he belatedly grabbed her hand and pumped with more exuberance than necessary.

Pink rose in her cheeks. “I was at the Dade County Women’s Club luncheon for your talk the other day.”

“Yes, of course, I remember you.”

Why was she here? He willed his pulse to calm and stuffed his hands into his pockets to prevent further spastic behavior. At twenty-nine he’d somehow become an awkward teen again.

“I hope you don’t mind that I tracked you down. Cassie Aikens gave me your office number, and when I called, your receptionist told me I could find you here.”

Muffled musical notes sounded from inside her purse. She dug a cell phone from it. “Excuse me a moment.”

Turning aside she spoke in quiet tones to the caller. “Hi, Evan… I’m not sure… I’ll be back later this afternoon… Ramon has dinner covered… I have to go… Okay, bye.” She stowed the phone back in her purse. “I’m sorry about that.”

“No problem. So, Tess, I assume you want to hear more about the project.”

Up close, she was even more compelling than she’d been from a distance. Not exactly pretty—though the blue of her eyes was stunning—she was entrancing in an uncommon way. When was the last time he’d been this excited, this pleased, to see a woman—and one he didn’t even know at that?

She smiled, revealing a small dimple in her left cheek, as she nodded. “I wanted to see for myself what it was all about.” She pulled on her fingers—her ringless fingers. “I didn’t want to disturb you, but I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.”

“Rafe has had a difficult time, like so many of these kids. They each have a story—some born addicted to crack, some who’ve lost a parent to an overdose, some with HIV-infected parents, more times than not from needles they found in the trash.” He shook his head. “It’s hard to believe they don’t know better. It’s a pity to see people unable to care, especially with kids like Rafe counting on them.”

“I can’t even imagine.”

Memories of his own childhood flashed through Mason’s mind: the morning his mother took off without saying goodbye; his father drinking himself to death shortly afterward; being passed from uncle to uncle until he emancipated himself at sixteen. “Well, I never had it as hard as Rafe, but I can imagine.”

Her gaze softened, and for a moment warmth seemed to flow from her, blanketing him in a sense of well-being. Unbidden, his feet moved him a step closer to her.

“So, you arrange activities for these kids to keep them off the streets?”

“That’s part of it. We have regular workshops to educate them on drug abuse, HIV and other issues that affect them. Try to counsel them on school and careers and help them get jobs in the interim.”

“Are most of them teens like that guy?” A breeze swept up behind her, bringing a whiff of her perfume.

His gaze fell to the fullness of her lips. Her scent teased him and he struggled to focus on their conversation. “We get them in all shapes and sizes. The teens are the ones we worry about the most, though. They’re the most damaged. You can see it in the way they’re closed off, distrustful of everything and everybody. Usually they’re so close to falling off the edge, we’re lucky to get any response from them.”

“That’s so…sad.”

Something in her eyes pulled him in, held him spellbound for a moment, until he blinked and detached himself, inhaling a deep breath to clear his head. “Occasionally we get some of the more fortunate ones, latchkey kids being raised by single parents struggling with poverty and stressful lives. That’s all part of the problem.

“Right now we’re tapping all our resources to help the kids, but then we send them home to their parents, who are still saddled with all their issues. They can undo our efforts in the space of a day. If we can get this center going, we’re hoping to start some new programs for parents and families as well.”

Again she nodded, her forehead furrowed in thought. “And you think one big fund-raiser will be enough?”

“To be totally honest, I’d like this one event to help get us up and running. Then we’ll need something similar at least annually to keep the center operating.”

Her cell phone chimed again and she excused herself to answer it. “Josh, I’m so sorry I missed you… Can we do Sunday?… Great… Okay, I’m with someone, I have to go… See you then.” After putting her phone away, she smiled at Mason. “I’m so sorry. Have you looked into getting grants and foundation money?”

“We’re working on that, and hopefully our efforts will pay off. It’s not a quick process, though.”

“I’m sure.” She remained silent a long moment and he waited as she paced around the area in front of the fountain.

Indulging himself, he drank his fill of the sight of her while she lost herself in thought. She was of medium height and weight, not too busty, not too flat. Hips that flared nicely and a decent ass. An average description for an extraordinary woman. What was it about her that made her so…appealing? It was more her presence—no, her essence—that drew him.

Just when he thought he could stand the silence no more, she stopped in front of him. “So,” he couldn’t keep from asking, “will you help us—help me?”

Her blue gaze locked with his and time seemed to suspend as something—a soul-deep recognition—settled over him. “Yes, Mason, I will rally the DCWC to help you. If they fail me, then I’ll call on my own resources and do it myself.”

A mixture of relief and excitement filled him. He pressed her hands in his. “Thank you, Tess. This means so much to me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate your support.”

“I’m happy to help.”

Tess cocked her head. Until this moment she hadn’t been sure she was ready for another lover so soon—had thought she needed a little break—but she couldn’t deny the proof standing before her. She could feel all that he felt, his gratitude, his excitement and, below that, growing stronger with their hands joined, the same heat sweeping through her. Something was different—she couldn’t put her finger on exactly what. Certainly it was much more intense this time.

Still, this was how it always began.

This empathic rush was nothing new. She always knew what her guys felt. Not until recently, when Aunt Sophie had told her and her sisters about their gift, had Tess understood that her ability to feel others’ emotions was part and parcel of her family heritage. Where Nikki had been able to tune into anyone around her, Tess’s empathic nature worked only with her men.

Desire flowed off Mason in waves. There was no use in fighting it. His need, his pain, already called to her, buried deep inside him. She could no more turn away from him than she could stop breathing. She was a healer.

She would help him in so many more ways than he realized. First, though, she needed time with him, time to get to know him and gauge what troubles he harbored. She let her gaze travel up his arms and chest, over his strong features to his compelling eyes. Had she at first thought him nondescript?

No, this man had eyes that saw into the depths of her soul. A shiver passed through her. What could she deny him when he looked at her that way?

“So, how do you feel about coffee?” he asked. “I have some time before my afternoon appointments. Unless you need to be somewhere?”

“No, the nursery’s covered. Coffee sounds great, though I can’t stay too long. I like to be there when the shipment comes.” She turned with him to head across the park to a nearby coffee shop.

“You work at a nursery?”

“Actually, I own it. I always liked plants and I have a green thumb. It made sense to buy the nursery when one of my great-aunts left me a small inheritance.”

“Do you sell anything besides trees and flowers?” His lips curved into a smile.

She was going to enjoy kissing him.

“I have a nice assortment of stone statuary. And my sister is an interior designer so I am always special-ordering her something. Believe me, I can get you practically anything you want.”

His eyebrows arched. His gaze dropped to her mouth and the desire simmering in him flared. “Anything?”

“That’s right.” She stopped walking and faced him. “Anything.”

Heat arced between them. The intensity in his eyes held her breathless. She leaned toward him as he moved forward. A bird cawed overhead and suddenly he pulled away.

“You don’t say?” he said, falling back into step. “I’ll have to come by and see what you have. I’ve been meaning to do something with my front entrance, but haven’t gotten around to it.”

“I’m sure we can find something.” She frowned as they crossed a small stretch of parking lot. Evidently, the man needed a little coaxing. “Maybe I should come see your front entrance sometime, so I can have a better idea of what you might need.”

“Sure.” He smiled again, and his pleasure, though guarded, reached out to her. “I think I’d like to have you over.”

She threaded her arm through his and they entered the shop. The aroma of strong coffee drifted in the air. “It smells heavenly in here.”

They ordered their drinks and Tess pulled her wallet from her bag. Mason raised his hand in protest. “I invited you. This is my treat.”

“Thank you, but you’ll have to let me treat the next time.”

He pursed his lips as he held a chair for her. “We’ll have to see about that. I believe a gentleman should always take care of a lady.”

“You’re kidding.” She slipped into the seat and stared at him as he settled opposite her. “I didn’t know they still made them like you.”

“They probably don’t. I was raised kind of old school.”

Once more, her cell phone summoned her. With a shake of her head, she pulled it again from her bag. “It’s Max. I’ll call him back.”

She sipped her coffee, then smiled at Mason. “So, a man of convention.”

He stared out the window overlooking the park. “I like the old values. If you could see half the trouble I’ve seen in some of the kids of today…” He shook his head and rolled his cup between his hands. “Just makes you wonder if the new ways of parenting are doing any good.”

“I think it’s hard to make generalizations.”

“Perhaps.”

His mood darkened and a short silence fell. She again sipped the rich brew. She’d have to ease him into meeting her family…or maybe avoid it altogether. “So I told you about my nursery. How about you? What sort of doctor are you?”

“I’m an internist. I specialize in the internal organs.”

“You have a regular practice as well as the free clinic you mentioned?”

“That’s right. We have a volunteer staff and we rotate the schedule, so I work only one day a week downtown and I’m on call for the free clinic one night. We have a couple of great general practitioners on staff, but the rest of us tend to specialize in one area or another. It means we consult back and forth a lot, so that adds in more hours. We’re fortunate to have such a variety in our staff. It definitely strengthens the clinic.”

“And you’re able to juggle that with Project Mentor and your regular patients?”

“I have a couple of partners with my practice, who pick up my slack when I need them to. Of course, I’ve talked one of them into volunteering at the clinic and I’m working on the other. As far as the project goes, well, I try to make that a priority and fit it in as best I can.”

“Sounds like you’re always working.”

“Seems that way sometimes. With my regular practice and the clinic I’m practically always on call, but I manage. Time with the kids isn’t like work. We have some fun.” He grinned. “Besides, I take long lunch breaks.”

She leaned toward him. “Still, doesn’t seem to leave much time for a personal life.”

His gaze grew warm, his pupils dilating. “There hasn’t been much going on there lately.”

“Really? I heard you and April had a thing. That you two split up recently and that’s why the cold reception at the DCWC.” Cassie had filled Tess in on April’s history with Mason as a way of explaining the club’s refusal.

He straightened, his eyes widening. “You like to lay all the cards on the table, don’t you?”

“I think it’s important to keep the air clear. Should I extend my condolences?” Tess smiled inwardly. The air around him shimmered with surprise and a little regret, but no heartache. Whatever ailed him, it wasn’t April.

He took a moment to sip his coffee. “Don’t get me wrong, April is a wonderful woman and I had hoped for a while that we could have more in our relationship. It took me some time to figure out that that just wasn’t going to happen. It wouldn’t have been fair to either one of us to keep things going. We had let it linger for way too long as it was.”

Tess reached across the table to touch his arm. The connection was strong, sending warm tingles over her. “I’m sorry.”

“Nothing to be sorry about. People leave each other. Life goes on.”

She shivered. Something dark and painful moved through him. Was that Mason’s trouble? Had someone left him? “Mason—”

A beeper sounded from his side of the table. He blew out a long breath as he pulled a pager from his pocket. “Ah, here we go. Time to get back to work. I’m so sorry to have to cut this short.”

She rose with him. “No problem. I need to get back myself.”

They moved toward the door and he touched her elbow. “Thank you, Tess, for everything—the coffee, the company, offering your help. I just know good things will come of this.”

They stepped through the door, then out into the parking lot. “Oh, definitely. Why don’t I make a few calls to get the ball rolling? Then I’ll be in touch to arrange a meeting so we can start organizing everything.”

He smiled with genuine pleasure. “That sounds really great. Here, let me give you my contact info.” He pulled a card from his wallet. “Have you got a pen?”

“Sure.” She found a pen bearing her nursery’s logo. “Here, keep this and you’ll know where to find me most days.”

“Great.” His brows arched. “No home number?”

“My cell’s on there, but anyone at the shop can get me if I’m not around.”

He scrawled some more numbers across the back of his business card, then handed it to her. “That’s my home phone, cell phone and pager. So now you have every means of reaching me. If you can’t get me on one of those, I’m probably with a patient. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.”

“So many numbers. I feel important.”

“You are.” The heat returned to his eyes. “I want you to be able to reach me whenever you need me, even if it’s after hours.”

She cocked her head, smiling. Was the good doctor actually flirting with her? That was definitely a good sign. “Trust me, I’ll be in touch.”

He squeezed her hand and nodded. “I’m really looking forward to it.”

His pager sounded again and she shooed him away. “Go. We’ll talk soon.”

Nodding, he moved off, his cell phone already to his ear. The sun shone down on him, picking out vibrant streaks of auburn in his dark hair. She smiled as he turned to wave. Even across the parking lot, his excitement called to her. Maybe the good doctor wouldn’t need so much coaxing, after all.

3

“BUT, CASSIE, HOW COULD you not want to do this?” Tess bit the inside of her lip. She knew she shouldn’t push too hard, or she might lose any possible support from the woman. And if Tess was going to make it into the DCWC, she needed an ally on the inside. At least Cassie had been open to her stopping by her home when Tess had called to say she had something important to discuss.

Surely that was a good sign.

“It isn’t that I don’t agree that Project Mentor is a worthwhile project.” Cassie’s eyes took on a dreamy quality. “Anything Mason Davies is involved with is bound to be a huge success….”

“But? I definitely hear a but after that.”

“But…April really won’t like it. She’s a good friend and we go way back.” Cassie paused as if considering her next words. “There was more to it than I said before. They were engaged.”

“April and Mason?” Though she’d suspected their relationship wasn’t casual, hearing it confirmed was a bit of a kick to the gut.

“It was a long, drawn-out thing. Four years. How could anyone be engaged that long and not set a date? I always thought there was something wrong there, but April never seemed to mind—always made excuses. I think finally even she got tired of waiting and put her foot down. That’s when he dumped her.”

“He called it off?”

“Well, she says it was mutual, but if that’s the case, why is she so mad at him? Seems otherwise she’d just go on with her life and be glad it was over with. Don’t you think?”

“When did all this happen?”

“Early last week. I called him Friday to see if he was still coming to the luncheon—he’d been on the agenda for months. I really thought that he would back out under the circumstances.” She shook her head. “But not Mason. You have to admire him for that. It was kind of like facing a firing squad.”

“Did April know he would be there Sunday?”

“I told her. She said he wouldn’t show. That he would know better.”

“But he did show.”

“And she shot him down.”

“Yes, she did.”

Cassie leaned toward Tess. “But that wasn’t really April. She’s just not herself right now. If you go ahead with this plan to help him, you’ll risk making an enemy of her and possibly some of the other women in the club. She has a very loyal following.”

“Even though she’s holding a personal grudge and he’s supporting a cause that’s transforming the lives of children?”

“She’s not so bad, you know. I can only imagine what she’s going through, losing a man like Mason. She’s put her heart and soul into this organization and she’s good at what she does. She really does care about the community.” She frowned. “I’ve never seen her let a personal issue cloud her judgment like this.”

“I don’t have to do this with the DCWC. I understand that Mason likes the clout the group can give him and the project’s success is practically guaranteed with it, but I have plenty of resources of my own.” Her ex-lovers certainly gave new meaning to the term manpower.

“You do?”

Tess nodded. “I can’t explain it, but I really want to be part of this club. I know if I join, then take on this project, I may be making more enemies than friends. But if I can make just one new friend in the process, it’ll be worthwhile. And if not…well, I’ll know I did the right thing by trying.” She shrugged. “Besides, Project Mentor needs our help more than I need new friends.”

“Oh, that’s really sweet.” Cassie’s eyes narrowed and she chewed her bottom lip as though thinking about Tess’s plan. “You would have a hard time pulling this off on your own.”

Tess held her breath and waited.

“We’ve always followed April because she usually makes the best decisions, but in this case…” Cassie’s gaze held Tess’s. Excitement sparkled in her eyes. “Tell you what, let’s go see Terry to get you on board as an official member. Then what would you say to you and I paying April a visit?”

“I’d say that’s a plan.”

“I’LL HAVE THE ROAST BEEF on whole wheat, hold the mayo, no pickle and a small house salad, ranch dressing on the side.” Mason handed the waitress his menu that Friday afternoon, then turned to Tess, who sat across from him, flanked by Cassie and a man named Josh—a friend of Tess’s.

The man hovered over Tess in an annoyingly territorial manner. Try as he might, Mason couldn’t stem the irrational jealousy he felt as Josh draped his arm across the back of her seat. Mason frowned. Good God, he had turned into a hormonal teenager.

Tess smiled, her eyes shining as she glanced over the menu, seeming to take great pleasure in the simple act of ordering her meal. “I’ll have some of that shaved blackened chicken on pumpernickel rye—” her gaze flicked to Mason “—load on the mayo, lettuce, tomato and pickles…lots of pickles. I’ll have that with onion rings and the Caesar with the shrimp and…a loaded baked potato.”

While their waitress took Josh’s order, Mason stared in wonder. “You can’t possibly eat all of that.”

“I’ll put a good dent in it. Josh gave me a good workout this morning. I’m starved.”

Ha. Just as he’d suspected. Mason eyed Tess’s friend as his jealousy stepped up a notch. Some friend.

The man was groomed to the max, from his perfectly styled hair to his buffed nails. He was built like a line-backer, with straight, honest features. April would have jumped him in a minute. A picture of Tess’s workout flashed through Mason’s mind and he stifled the image, frustrated that he should even care about this woman’s romantic liaisons.

Tess McClellan was a sensual woman, and he couldn’t deny a definite attraction. Her sex life was none of his business, though, even if fantasies of her had haunted him since their meeting at the park earlier in the week. After his disaster with April, the last thing Mason needed—or wanted—was to rush into another relationship.

Not that Tess was remotely his type.

Her cell phone rang and Mason did his best not to eavesdrop as she murmured consoling words to some guy named Kyle. She’d put her hair up into a kind of twist, but loose curls had escaped to fall around her face and the nape of her neck, giving her a wild, untamed look. Mason fisted his hand against the surprising urge to touch one of those curls, to pull the clip free and run his hands through those glorious red waves.

He gave himself a mental shake. What was wrong with him? Normally he went for a more…conventional type of woman. Tess McClellan certainly didn’t fit that bill.

“Mason, what time does it start?” Josh’s question pulled him from his reverie.

Mason turned to him and blinked. “I’m sorry, what time does what start?”

A knowing smile broke across the man’s face. “You know, you can’t fight it, bro.”

“Excuse me?”

Josh cocked his head in Tess’s direction. “She’s like magic—”

“Oh, look. Here’s our food. That was quick. Thank goodness. I’m famished.” Tess beamed as their waitress approached, her arms laden with dishes. Another server trailed after her, his arms also full.

The dark-haired server peered around their waitress as she bent to place the dishes on the table. “Tess?” he asked, his eyebrows arched in enthusiasm. “Hi, sweetheart. I didn’t know you were coming in today. Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Mark, it’s so good to see you.” She raised her cheek as he placed a quick kiss there. “Since when do you work at this location? I thought you were in Hallandale.”

“They had a staffing crisis. I’m filling in for a few days.” He glanced around the table at the notepads and pens. “You having some kind of meeting?”

“We’re working on a fund-raiser.”

“Let me know if you need any help.” He turned to Josh as he handed the dishes to their waitress. “How’s it hanging, Josh? Haven’t seen you in quite a while. Heard I just missed you at the apartment the other night when I stopped by to see our girl. You know how it is. I get the Tess jones on—”

“Mark, this is Cassie Aikens, with the Dade County Women’s Club, and Dr. Mason Davies, with Project Mentor. We’re trying to help Mason’s group build a special youth center,” Tess interrupted him.

Mark’s eyes lit with understanding. “Right. Travis was telling me about that.”

“Travis is back?” Tess and Josh asked in unison.

“He called the other night while you were busy with Jack. Kyle mentioned it to him.”

Travis? Jack? Kyle? And all those calls. Who were all these men? And what were they to her?

Before Mason could form a coherent comment she waved her hand as if brushing aside his unspoken questions. “More friends.”

Mark bade her goodbye, with the promise to catch up with her later. After he’d left she turned back to Mason. “We were talking about the beach cleanup next Saturday. What time does it start?”

“Are you all coming?” he asked, squelching the image of Tess surrounded by a flock of men.

Josh leaned forward. “I’ve already got a full schedule that day.” He winked at Tess. “But Tess can round up—”

“I’m sure they have plenty of volunteers.” Tess smiled stiffly.

Mason settled back in his seat. “Oh, we can always use more volunteers.”

Josh opened his mouth, but Tess cut him off. “Cassie and I thought we’d lend a hand…if you need us and we won’t be in the way.”

“I would be more than happy to help,” Cassie said. “Maybe we can round up a few of the others from the DCWC.”

“Sure. We’re glad to have you. We’ll be at North Beach at nine-thirty.”

“Tess?” A bearded stranger approached their table.

“Hi, Hugh.” Her eyes widened, but she smiled and rose to exchange an enthusiastic, if brief, hug with this new man. “How are you?”

Cassie turned to Mason. “She certainly has a lot of friends.”

“That she does.” Mason glanced questioningly across the table at Josh.

He shrugged. “She’s very special.”

“When did you get back into town?” Tess asked the latest arrival.

“Just this morning. I was passing by and saw you through the window. I was going to stop by the nursery, but looks like you won’t be there.”

“I’ve hired another full-time person. It’s great. I can get away a little more often now. I’d love to hear about your trip some time, but we’re in the middle of a meeting.” She made introductions, then explained briefly about the fund-raiser.

“Hey, I can hook you up with an orchestra if you’d like,” Hugh offered.

After Tess assured him she’d let him know, he gave her a quick kiss, then left, much to Mason’s relief. Mason hated to admit it even to himself, but he might have to protest if one more man dropped by with a friendly hug or kiss for her. He shook his head, irritated with himself. He’d only just met the woman.

Why should he care?

He squelched the memory of the heated moments they’d shared in the park and over coffee. It wasn’t as though anything had actually happened between them. He would not fall under whatever seductive spell she seemed to weave over the male population. That was the last thing he needed.

Though Tess’s cell phone rang a few times, apparently with calls from more of her friends, they managed to make it through the rest of the meeting. From time to time Tess tossed in more names as resources for various aspects of the project. Whatever the need, be it advertising to catering, her connections seemed endless and all of them male.

“I’ll go ahead and put these names and numbers in my database.” Cassie scribbled a few more notes. “We’ll see who can work us the best deals between our usual people and your…ah…friends, Tess.”

Tess nodded, her mouth set in a firm line. “So, we have our to-do lists. We’ve assigned tasks and set our priorities. Cassie, you’re going to check on ballrooms and get back to us, so we can pinpoint locations and maybe a date.” She paused, but no one added anything. “Should we set our next meeting time?”

They agreed to meet the following week. Josh offered to help Cassie carry out a file case she’d brought that held information from previous fund-raising events she’d helped coordinate for the DCWC. She and Josh moved off ahead of Tess and Mason, absorbed in conversation as Tess scooped up her large to-go container.

Mason glanced at her as they headed toward the door. His arm brushed hers and the heat she seemed to invoke in him rose. He cleared his throat and forced his gaze from the curve of her breasts. “Thanks for coming and rounding up the troops. This thing is sure to be a hit with the DCWC backing it. I don’t see how we can miss with their expertise and your connections.”

“It’ll be great. You’ll have your youth center.”

“Tess!” Someone called to her from a table near the door.

Pink tinged her cheeks as she turned to greet what appeared to be yet another male admirer. Mason hung back as the man granted her the customary kiss and embrace. Something about the interaction spoke of an intimacy he refused to contemplate.

Exactly what sort of woman was he getting involved with? Not that they were involved, really. If he were looking for another relationship, it would be with a woman of a more…innocent nature.

“Another friend,” she explained when she returned to his side.

“Tess, I hope you don’t mind, but I just have to ask…” He held the restaurant door for her and Miami’s heat blew over them.

She stepped past him into the bright sunlight, turning to him as they cleared the threshold. The breeze brushed over her, conforming the thin fabric of her dress to her curves. “Sure, ask me anything.”

He focused on her eyes. “How do you know all those men?”

“You mean, are they really all just friends?”

“Yes.”

“The answer is yes. They really are all just friends…now.”

“Now?”

Her gaze locked with his. The same breeze stirred her curls. One shining wisp clung to her lip. “At one time—each in his own time—they were all my lovers.”

“Oh.” A buzzing sounded in his ears. His blood warmed and his body swayed toward her.

“Each in his own time.”

“Yes, I got that.” He swallowed. What was he supposed to say? He was having a hard enough time just breathing. The thought of her with all those men was at once both disturbing and oddly exciting.

The essence of her femininity flowed over him, drawing him a step closer to her. Confidence radiated from her in the tilt of her chin, the arch of her eyebrows, the heated look in her eyes. She set her belongings on the hood of a nearby car.

Slowly, she moved to stand so close to him that the heat of her body touched him and her full lips beckoned, a breath from his. “And now it’s that time again.”

He gave in to the urge to lean in and inhale the sweet scent of her. “Time for what?”

The corner of her mouth tilted in a slight smile. “Time for me to take a new lover, of course.”

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