Tell me, Cindy.
For starters, she said, lifting her head and straightening away from him to see his face. Thats not my real name.
He shifted, his shirt stretching over bunching muscles. His voice was carefully patient, as though he refused to jump to conclusion. You mean its short for something?
This was so desperately hard. No. I mean Cindy isnt my name at all.
Silence. He didnt move a muscle. Then, very quietly, What?
Im notCindy. She grimaced. Much as I spent most of my life wishing I was.
Then who are you?
Thats thetricky part.
I see. His eyes narrowed speculatively. Now I understand why you dont always answer to your name.
Her face felt hot. Yes, she whispered. Im sorry.
Why dont you tell me the rest of it before you go apologizing for something I dont understand?
All right. She stood, and swiped her wet palms down her pants. Lifting her hands to her eyes, she prepared to remove the dark contacts, wanting Stone to see the real her.
The doorbell rang.
Stone swore and Jenna froze. No, she whispered. Not again. Fate really has it in for me.
Tell me, he said. Just tell me.
Jenna stared at him, unable to believe they were going to be interrupted again. It was just too much. But the door-
Its a salesman.
At eight oclock at night? Jenna shook her head, frustration so strong she nearly choked on it. Truly unbelievable! Stone, youve got to get it.
Fine. With one lithe motion he rolled to his feet. Looming over her, he looked powerful. Intense. And very annoyed. Unconsciously she stepped back from him.
Jaw tight, Stone reached out and touched her, just a light brush on her shoulder, but it was enough to remind her that his superior strength would never be used against her.
Dont forget where we were, he demanded softly, reminding her that she wasnt done here tonight, not by a long shot.
I dont think thats possible.
The bell rang again, a harsh ugly sound echoing in the room.
With a choice expletive, Stone moved toward the door, equal parts anger and frustration making his movements jerky. He nearly tore the hinges off the door as he yanked it open, and then he went still.
From her perch near the couch, all Jenna could see was his broad shoulders blocking the opening. She heard him murmur something in a surprised voice and a woman murmur in return.
Then Stone stepped back, his face pale. Jenna realized why when his mother, Lara Cameron, stepped over the threshold.
The woman had once hated Jenna with all her might, which made it more than mildly disconcerting to have her smile politely at her. Without any sign of recognition.
Looking shocked to his toes, Stone started to introduce his mother, but stopped suddenly and flashed Jenna a disarming but decidedly shaky grin. Would you like to tell my mother your name, since at the moment I dont seem to actually know it?
Jennas mouth opened, but all that came out was a short desperate laugh. Cindy will do for now, she managed, covering her mouth.
Nice to meet you, Lara said formally, gripping her purse close as she made an obvious attempt to remain polite and true to her status. But her gaze kept falling back to her son, wonder and regret filling her eyes.
It was a big moment for Stone. Having stood between them once, Jenna had hoped never to do so again. Id better go, she said quietly, her throat tight with the need to scream in frustration. Surely this was Fates idea of a joke, interrupting them continually before she could tell Stone the truth.
No, Stone said. Wait.
Jenna walked to the door.
Cindy.
God, that name! Tears filled her vision, her hands clenched tight. She had no choice, no choice at all, but it was going to drive her crazy. She moved faster, stepping around his mother without meeting her eyes.
Just wait, dammit. Stone stopped her, his voice low, urgent. We were in the middle of something important. You wanted to tell me-
Its not as important as this, she said, even though with all her heart she wished it could be.
Thank you, Lara said. Youre right, this is very important. Ive waited too long as it is.
But Stone was having none of it. That youve waited at all is not my fault, he told his mother, nor at the moment, my problem. This, he told Jenna firmly, comes first.
Lara pressed her lips together, but then inclined her head and said, As you wish.
Stone sighed, his brow deeply creased as if he had a headache. Mother-
He wanted to talk to you, you know. Richard. Lara nodded. He wanted that more than anything.
His face grim, Stone shook his head. No, he didnt.
Its true, his mother insisted.
The hell he did, he said in a carefully controlled voice.
With his innate courtesy gone, Jenna knew he was near the point of exploding. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him and never let go.
Hehe didnt because he thought hed disappoint me. I think he was afraid to hurt me more than Id already been hurt. Lara shook her head. The only problem, Stone, is that you were hurt too, more than any of us, and you were all alone. Richard realized that. He thought about you a lot, especially recently, almost as if hed known He started talking about you. I think he was trying to get me to- She broke off suddenly, covering her mouth with her fingers.
Stone looked out the window into the dark night, his eyes suspiciously bright. Jenna felt tears well up in her own eyes. Tears for a man whod given so much and received so little. Tears for a man who wouldnt let his own fall.
Nothing could have kept Jenna from taking his hand. He strung his fingers through hers and held tight, still staring out the window.
I love you, she wanted to tell him, the words nearly bouncing off her tongue with an ease that startled her, for shed never, ever, said them before.
He whipped his head around to face her, and for a horrified second, Jenna feared shed spoken out loud.
Excuse us, Stone said politely to his mother, and taking Jennas hand, he practically dragged her into the kitchen.
Stone, youre going to have to talk to her. Im not nearly asimportant
Dont do that, he said, touching her face gently and stopping her words. Youre as important to me as she is.
But-
No buts. He rubbed his forehead, reminding her how tired he was. I have no way of knowing how serious she is, or if this is just a passing phase because she lost Richard. But youyoare not a passing phase.
Stone-
I mean it, he said gruffly, sinking his fingers into her hair, holding her head. I know it hasnt been very long-
Do this first, Jenna said shakily. Do this with her, then well talk. Then, if you still mean it Please let him still mean it. Her voice cracked.
With a low sound of concern, Stone dipped his head and kissed her softly. Tell me now.
Jenna glanced at the kitchen door. No, she whispered. Not like this. Not in a hurry. I cant, I just cant. God, StoneIve been trying to tell you forever. It has to be right. And most certainly its not right now.
Okay. He sighed and straightened. Ill talk to her first, but dont you dare leave. Promise youll wait this out, no matter how long it takes. That well finish this once and for all.
Ill wait.
His eyes never left hers. Promise.
I dont go back on my word.
He didnt smile-there was too much heart-wrenching tension in them both for that-but his gaze said it all. And suddenly she wanted to hug him tight.
He beat her to it, wrapping her in his arms and rocking her against him, where they stayed for a long moment
Oops.
Jenna jerked out of Stones arms at the sound of his mothers exclamation.
Im sorry, Lara said calmly, chin up, cheeks bright. I was just checking to see if everything was okay.
Stone didnt let go of Jenna. You were appeasing your curiosity.
Lara looked startled at his frankness, but then smiled. Yes. Can you blame me?
No, said Jenna quickly. Of course not.
Lara beamed at this support, although her smile turned a bit shaky when she turned to her son.
They all stood there, staring at each other with an awkwardness that deepened with every passing second.
This couldnt get worse, Jenna assured herself. It couldnt.
Daddy?
At the soft hesitant voice, Jenna closed her eyes and groaned.
Of course it could.
Come here, Sara, Stone said wearily. Before you trap your nose in the door.
The girl bounded toward them, her cheeks red, her eyes bright with excitement.
A second wind, Jenna thought dully. Sara would never get back to sleep now. I should really go
No, Stone said. You stay here. Jenna pulled away but kept holding his hand.
Grandma?
With the obliviousness of the young, Sara ran up to Stones mother and threw her arms around her. I knew youd come, I just knew it! I told Daddy you would, but he said not to hope because he didnt want me to be disappointed.
Stunned, her arms hovering uncertainly in the air, Lara Cameron stared down at the dark head pressed to her middle.
Sara squeezed.
Closing her eyes with a soft exclamation of emotion, Lara wrapped her arms around the child. Well, hello, there, she whispered. Oh, you feel good.
You do, too, Sara said. Then she wrinkled her nose. But you dont smell good. Icky.
To Jennas astonishment, the woman laughed.
Stone gave a little gasp, and Jennas heart went out to him. If she was surprised to see the woman smile and laugh, Stone must be near heart failure.
Thats very expensive perfume, darling. Lara tipped up Saras chin. Its an acquired taste.
Stone shoved fingers through his already tousled hair and shot Jenna a helpless look before turning to his mother. Why are you here?
Lara lifted her head, her eyes as bright as her granddaughters. I She laughed again, nervously this time. Jenna couldnt blame her, for Stone was staring at his mother with a probing suspicious look. I dont know exactly, she said finally. I couldnt think after the service, then at the house there were so many people, I just got in my car to take a drive. She lifted her shoulder in a perfect echo of both Stones and Saras shrug. And I ended up here.
Stone didnt relax, just regarded her with an inscrutable expression. Thats not good enough, he said finally.
Jenna shifted uncomfortably. Stone-
Daddy!
No, Laura said to her granddaughter. Hes right, darling. She met Stones gaze. Im sorry, Stone. I came to tell you that. I know its not worth much in your world, and- she swallowed hard and hugged Sara close -I can see why and what youre protecting.