Full Bloom

  “What a shame,” Wes said, looking at it.

  Annie gave him a puzzled look.

  He shrugged. “I don’t think television sets belong in a husband and wife’s bedroom, but that’s just me.” His gaze wandered to an overstuffed chair and ottoman near the fireplace.

  “I converted all the fireplaces to gas,” Annie said. “It’s really nice falling asleep with a fire burning.”

  He turned to her. “Oh yeah?”

  The look he gave her made her think of snuggling between crisp sheets and thick blankets on a cold night, hair-roughened legs entwined with smooth ones, a warm fire painting shadows on the walls. Annie crossed her arms. It felt weird standing alone with Wes in the bedroom she’d shared with her husband for two years. “The bathroom is through that door,” she said, nodding toward it.

  Wes turned his attention to the lavishly carved mirror over the bed. “Nice,” he said. “Did you decorate this room?”

  “Oh no,” she said quickly. “It was done by an ancestor. The family insisted on keeping the house as close to the original design and decor as they could. With the exception of the kitchen,” she added. “The original kitchen was detached from the house, as kitchens were in most homes of that era. It burned.”

  “Your ancestors had unusual tastes.”

  “Yes.”

  “Where do you sleep?”

  Annie tried not to let herself gaze too long into those liquid brown eyes. “Next door. And Theenie is just across the hall,” she added, and then wondered why she’d felt it necessary to let him know they wouldn’t be the only ones sleeping on that floor. “There are five bedrooms on the third floor, although some are small. My grandmother had an elevator installed once she began having trouble getting around, but it’s slow and cantankerous.” She couldn’t help noticing the odd way he looked at her. Was he sizing her up? Trying to decide if she was really as crazy as he thought? She probably was crazy to even think of renting to him.

  “I can’t believe you moved out of here. Bad memories?”

  He asked a lot of questions. “It just felt too big for one person.”

  He cocked his head to one side, studied her lazily. “Your husband obviously wasn’t a smart man. I can’t imagine why he would cheat on you.”

  “It’s quite possible he was a jerk,” she said matter-of-factly.

  “Well, you’re still young. You’ll meet your prince charming one day.”

  “I like my life just fine the way it is.”

  “Is that why you wear those big shirts? So guys won’t notice you?”

  He suddenly smiled, and Annie felt her toes curl. Jeez! “Yeah. I’m one of those women who have to dress down in order to keep the men at bay.”

  “You still look pretty damn good.”

  “I might have to resort to sackcloth.”

  He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his wallet. “You’ll probably want references so the blue-haired lady doesn’t jump ship the minute I move in.” He fished through several business cards, handed one to Annie. “This guy will vouch for me.”

  “Was he your warden?”

  “My banker.” He gave her another card. “And this is my lawyer. I just pay him a flat fee to keep me out of the big house.”

  “That’s always helpful. What kind of business are you in?”

  “I’m a professional photographer.”

  She couldn’t hide her surprise. It sounded so tame, and the man before her looked anything but. “How interesting. Maybe you’ll show me some of your work.”

  “I don’t think you’d approve.”

  Both brows arched high on her head. “Oh yeah? What kind of pictures do you take?”

  “Mostly women.”

  “Um.” She opened her mouth, closed it, and then opened it again. “Are they, uh, you know?”

  “Some of them wear clothes.”

  Annie gulped.

  “You’d make a perfect model.” He reached for a stray lock of hair and twirled it around his finger. “The rich texture of your hair, slightly mussed, as though you just climbed from your bed after making love. The rosy flush I just brought to your cheeks by mentioning it.”

  Her scalp tingled at his touch, sending tiny ripples of pleasure down her back. Theenie was probably wondering what was taking them so long. “I don’t think so,” Annie said, thinking how much she sounded like Theenie. She stepped back and tucked her hair behind her ears.

  “Doesn’t matter. I’ve branched out. I like traveling to different parts of the country taking pictures of quaint little towns. ’Course, it’s not as much fun as what I used to do, and it doesn’t offer the fringe benefits.” He winked.

  Annie stared dumbly. “Do you have any questions about the room?”

  “How soon can I move in?”

  It was not yet nine o’clock the next morning when Annie called a meeting of sorts with Theenie and Destiny. “I’ve decided to go ahead and rent a room to Wes Bridges.”

  Destiny shrugged. “Hey, it’s your house.”

  “Oh my,” Theenie said. “Are you sure?”

  “I know he looks, well—”

  “He looks like one of those biker dudes,” Theenie said.

  “Just because he rides a Harley doesn’t make him a biker,” Annie said. “He’s a photographer, and he has excellent references.”

  Destiny took a sip of her coffee. “A photographer, huh?”

  Annie nodded. “He wants to take pictures of Beaumont. Because of its historic value,” she added.

  “What does he plan to do with the pictures?” Theenie asked.

  “I don’t know. Maybe he sells to travel magazines.”

  Annie noticed Destiny frowning. “What?”

  “Something doesn’t feel right.”

  Annie and Theenie exchanged glances.

  “You think he might be lying?” Theenie said, gripping her coffee cup. “Do you sense we’re in danger?”

  Annie rolled her eyes. “Of course we’re not in danger,” she said, wishing Destiny would keep her concerns to herself instead of giving Theenie something else to worry about. “I wouldn’t have rented to him unless I felt he was safe.”

  “He’s not likely to kill us in our sleep or anything like that,” Destiny said as though trying to reassure Theenie, which only caused the woman to start her lip-nibbling routine.

  Annie felt the beginnings of a headache. “I’ve already told him he could have the room.” She’d barely gotten the words out of her mouth when a door slammed upstairs. Annie and Theenie jumped.

  “What in blazes was that?” Theenie said.

  “It’s just the wind,” Annie said dismissively, refusing to meet Destiny’s gaze.

  “How can it be the wind when all the windows are closed?” Theenie asked. “I’m telling you, something isn’t right in this house, and it seems to be getting worse. And now we’ve got a man moving in who could be a cold-blooded killer for all we know.”

  “He is not a killer,” Annie said.

  Theenie didn’t look convinced. “You don’t know that. You don’t know that his references are valid. He could have paid somebody to lie for him. Killers do that sort of thing for each other. And remember, he even mentioned he was in prison. What if he wasn’t joking? What if—”

  “He’s not dangerous,” Annie interrupted, “and I don’t think he’s trying to hide anything. He told me stuff about himself that he didn’t have to tell me.”

  “What stuff?” Destiny asked.

  Annie gave a big sigh. “I wasn’t going to mention it, but, well, he admitted that he used to take pictures of women. I sort of got the impression they weren’t wearing much.”

  Theenie looked shocked. “You mean they were nude?”

  Annie nodded.

  “That’s probably where they got that old saying: less is more,” Destiny said.

  “Oh my,” Theenie said. “You know what that means.”

  Both Destiny and Annie looked at her questioningly.

  “It m
eans he probably wonders what we all look like naked.”

  Destiny chuckled. “Then he and I are even, because I’ve been wondering the same thing about him.”

  Annie didn’t respond, but for some insane reason she wasn’t crazy about the idea of Destiny thinking about Wes in the buff.

  “Especially after seeing him in his underwear,” Destiny added. She leaned closer to Theenie. “Why don’t you enlighten us?”

  Annie looked at Theenie, almost ashamed that she was as eager as Destiny for information.

  Theenie blushed profusely. “I most certainly will not discuss such private matters. I was acting as a professional when I, um, undressed him, so it’s not something I would have noticed.”

  “Oh, give me a break,” Destiny said. “You may have a little age on you, but you’re not blind.”

  “May we change the subject?” Theenie asked.

  Annie nodded. “Good idea. I have more pressing matters. Has anyone seen Erdle? His car isn’t in the driveway.”

  “I heard him go out last night,” Theenie said. “Probably passed out somewhere. But if you think you’re going to chase him with that rolling pin again, you’re wrong. I hid it.”

  “I don’t need a rolling pin,” Annie said. “I’ve got my bare hands.”

  Annie stormed into the kitchen shortly before lunch, almost bumping into Theenie, who was watering houseplants. “Erdle is still not home,” she said.

  “That’s it! I’m throwing him out the minute he shows up.” Annie spied Danny Gilbert sitting at the kitchen table and blushed. “Oh, hi, Danny.”

  “Bad day?” he asked.

  She shrugged. “I’m just irritated with Erdle, but that’s nothing new.”

  “I hear you got problems with the house.”

  Annie glanced at Theenie.

  “Well, Danny is a carpenter,” the woman said. “I showed him the damage in the ballroom.”

  “You should have come to me sooner, Annie,” he said. “I can take care of the floor. I even have my own sander.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t possibly impose—”

  “Don’t be silly. Of course, this means you’re going to have to go see that new western with me.”

  Annie moaned. “A western? I’d rather sit through The Mummy again than watch a western.”

  He grinned. “That’s part of the deal, Anniekins. Take it or leave it.”

  Annie hated to ask for help, hated to put people to any trouble, but she was desperate. “Oh, all right,” she said, pretending to be put out. “I suppose you’ll expect me to spring for the popcorn, too.”

  The doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” Theenie said. She hurried into the living room.

  Danny was discussing what color stain he wanted to put on the floor when Theenie returned with Wes beside her. “Look who’s here,” she said, eyes darting about the room nervously. “He even brought his clothes.”

  Annie did not miss the fact that Theenie had her arms crossed as though Wes might somehow be able to see through her prim white cotton blouse. She also didn’t miss Danny’s raised brows. Not that she blamed him. Wes looked like the worst kind of ruffian standing there in his faded jeans, a black T-shirt, and his denim jacket. He carried a large backpack.

  “You were expecting me, right?” he said.

  It took a few seconds for Annie to find her tongue. “Yes, of course.” She turned to Danny, who was still staring. “This is Wes Bridges,” she said. “He’s renting a room for a couple of weeks. Wes, this is my good friend Danny Gilbert.”

  Neither man made a move to shake hands. Finally, Danny nodded. “Nice to meet you.”

  “Same here,” Wes said. He turned for the stairs and, without another word, hurried up.

  Annie felt Danny’s eyes on her even before she looked his way. His look was incredulous. “What?” she asked.

  “You actually agreed to let that guy move in?” he whispered.

  “I wasn’t crazy about the idea myself,” Theenie said. “Not that Annie bothered to ask my opinion, mind you, and I’m pretty sure he has a checkered past.”

  “It’s only for two weeks,” Annie said, wishing Danny wouldn’t worry about her so much. Theenie said it was because he was sweet on her, even though Annie always insisted that Danny was only acting out of friendship. “Besides, he has excellent references.”

  “He’s here to take pictures,” Theenie said, giving a massive eye roll. “But I’m not going to expand on that topic in mixed company.”

  Danny’s eyes softened. “Annie, if this is about money . . .”

  She didn’t miss the tender look, the genuine concern in his voice, and Annie was certain it didn’t go unnoticed by Theenie. It was times like this that she wondered if the woman might be right about his feelings toward her. “You’re beginning to fret as much as Theenie,” she said lightly.

  The front door opened and closed, followed by the sound of light footsteps. Annie looked up to find her other tenant, Lovelle Hamilton, standing in the doorway.

  “I’m baaack,” she announced with a flourish.

  Annie smiled. “Welcome home.” Lovelle was an ex-ballerina who’d never made it big, although to hear her tell it, one would have thought otherwise. One of her claims to fame was having met Mikhail Baryshnikov at a cocktail party. She was string bean thin due to a daily dance regimen she practiced in Annie’s ballroom.

  “How was your trip?” Theenie asked.

  “Fabulous. You know how much I love New York, having lived there most of my life. My daughter and I shopped at all the best stores, of course. I bought everybody gifts.” She glanced about the room. “What’s wrong? Why does everyone look so tense?”

  “We have a new guest,” Theenie said.

  Lovelle smiled. Even at seventy-something, the woman was still striking, her makeup perfect and her platinum blond hair cut in the latest style. No blue rinse for Lovelle. “That’s nice. I hope she’s easy to get along with.”

  “It’s a he,” Theenie replied.

  “Oh, goody. Is he handsome?”

  All eyes fell on Annie.

  “I suppose some women would consider him handsome in a rugged sort of way. I prefer a more conservative look.” She punctuated her remark with what she hoped was a high-handed sniff, but the truth was she’d been thinking about Wes Bridges more than she should. Her thoughts had run amok the minute she caught sight of him in those boxer shorts.

  The back door opened and Doc stepped inside. “I just stopped by to see if our patient fully recovered yesterday.”

  “What patient?” Danny asked.

  Annie waved off the remark. “It’s a long story.” She turned to Doc. “He’s fine. In fact, he just moved in.”

  “You let him move in?” Doc asked, his brow furrowing. “What about the lawsuit?”

  “What lawsuit?” Danny asked. “Wait; let me guess. Another long story.”

  Annie nodded. “Something like that.”

  “Would you like a cup of coffee or iced tea?” Theenie asked Doc.

  “No, I can’t stay. I just learned my daughter in Tampa is having gallbladder surgery, so I’m flying down to help out with the grandkids, although they’re old enough to do for themselves. Don’t know how long I’ll be gone.”

  “I hope the surgery goes well,” Annie said. “Do you want me to grab your mail and newspapers while you’re away?”

  “The Martins already offered. It’s less complicated for me to travel now that Leo is gone,” he added sadly.

  Annie nodded. Leo had been a stray dog eating from bags at the garbage dump when Doc had found him. Doc had brought him home, cleaned him up, and the two had lived in harmony for fifteen years before Leo died in his sleep of old age some eight or nine months ago. Annie had looked after the animal when Doc traveled; in turn, he had taken care of Peaches the few times Annie went away. “Well, you have my number,” she said. “Call me if you think of something.”

  “Thank you.” Doc started to leave and then turned. “Oh, I almost forgot. Do
you need to borrow my gardener? I paid him for the whole day, but he finished up early. Man works hard and fast, unlike Erdle.”

  “Is he good with a tiller?” Theenie asked. “Annie wants the ground tilled behind the carriage house so she can plant a vegetable garden.”

  “He can do anything that pertains to yard work.” Doc looked at Annie. “You want me to send him over?”

  “I would love to borrow him,” Annie said, delighted. Things were definitely beginning to look up. “Thank you, Doc, and have a safe trip.”

  He nodded and disappeared out the door.

  Danny stood. “I need to run home and get my sander. Maybe by the time I get back I won’t be so confused.” He shook his head as he let himself out.

  “I think Danny is jealous of Wes,” Theenie said.

  Annie arched one brow. “You’re not serious.”

  “I’ve noticed the way he looks at you.”

  “No way,” Annie said firmly. “Danny and I have known each other since we were kids. He’s like a brother to me.” They didn’t look convinced.

  Lovelle said, “You have to admit he comes around a lot.”

  Annie grabbed her jacket from a hook by the back door. “Have the two of you forgotten that I’m still legally married? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to talk to Doc’s gardener.”

  Wes unpacked the few clothes he’d brought with him. He opened the closet door to hang his jacket and found several men’s suits pushed to one side. Annie obviously hadn’t gotten rid of all her husband’s clothes. He checked the pockets. Nothing. He moved to the window, pulled the curtain aside, and saw Annie talking to a man in denim overalls. Wes left his room and listened near the top of the stairs for a moment. The others seemed to be deep in conversation. Very quietly he made his way to the door next to his, opened it, and stepped inside.

  The bedroom held Annie’s scent, clean and fresh but not flowery or overbearing like some perfumes. Wes closed the door, taking care not to make a sound. The simple four-poster bed was covered with a bright quilt. Beside it, a night table held a telephone and several books. He checked the window again; Annie was still talking to the man. Wes turned and began to search the room.