Midnight Caller - By Diane Burke Page 0,35

But—” she glanced at Tony, smiled sheepishly and looked back at Erin “—I thought you might have plans of your own for the evening.”

Erin laughed and nudged her friend toward the door. “Wake me when you get home. I don’t care what time it is. I want to hear every detail.”

Carol hugged Erin. “I won’t be out too late.” Glancing his way, she smiled, said good-night and left.

Tony joined Erin at the table and gestured toward the empty doorway. “Something wrong?”

“No, I guess not. But the secrecy bothers me. She’s dated before and always fills me in. I don’t understand why this one is such a Mystery Man.”

“Maybe because this one matters.”

Erin raised an eyebrow.

“The relationship is new. Fragile. Exciting. Maybe she’s not ready to share what they’ve found with the world just yet.” He kept his voice low, steady, trying not to reveal what effect her nearness was having on him. He didn’t want to ruin the moment. But he didn’t know how much longer he could be the perfect friend, the shoulder for her to cry on, without wanting more. And more was the last thing he could let himself want.

“Maybe. But I’m getting the goods when she gets home tonight if I have to sit on her until she spills her guts.”

“Wish I knew earlier how you respond to secrets. I would have kept one or two myself.”

Erin lowered her head, but not before he saw a smile pull at her lips.

“Don’t mind me. I’m just an invisible fly on the wall over here,” Tess said. “I’ll just take myself into the living room and set up our ‘chick flick’ for tonight. That is, of course, if the two of you are inclined to join me.” Tess took off her apron and paused in the doorway, a devilish glint in her eye. “You know, it’s the oddest thing. The oven’s been off for hours but the heat in this room is unbelievable.” Her chuckles followed her down the hall.

Tony’s expression made Erin pause. He was deep in thought, eyebrows furrowed together, chewing on his lower lip.

“Something wrong?”

“What did you say Carol’s last name is?” Tony asked.

“Henderson. Why?”

“No reason.” He rubbed his hand through his hair like she’d seen him do a hundred times before when something puzzled him. “I know that name.”

“You met her at the Easter fundraiser. And I talk about her all the time.”

“True. But you don’t use her full name. You just refer to her as Carol or Amy’s mom. I’m not sure you ever mentioned her last name before, did you?”

Erin wore a puzzled expression. “I really don’t know. Does it matter?”

“Carol Henderson. Her name’s nagging at me. I’ve heard it, but I can’t place it.” He shrugged. “It’ll come to me.” He stood up and offered his hand. “We’d better go. Tess is waiting for us and I have it on good authority that this is a movie I don’t want to miss.”

“Really?” Erin placed her hand in his and stood. “You like romance movies?” She couldn’t keep the surprise out of her voice.

“Shh,” Tony whispered, drawing her close. “I love romance movies. But you can’t say a word. It would ruin my tough-guy reputation and I’d have to take drastic measures to keep you silent.”

“Really? What drastic measures?”

He claimed her mouth with a kiss filled with so many promises that Erin was sure she’d never be able to speak again.

The next day

“Fwoot Loops,” Amy said, holding up her cereal bowl.

“Froot Loops it is.” Erin settled the child in the booster chair and filled her bowl.

“Me, too,” Jack said.

“Startin’ a child off first thing in the morning with a bowl full of sugar is asking for trouble,” Tess said as she entered the kitchen. “They have enough energy as it is without spoon-feeding them more.” She waved a hand in the air. “I know, I know. Nobody asked me.” Tess sat at the table.

“Good morning, Tess.” Erin chuckled and poured herself a bowl of the colorful cereal.

“I only see three bowls.” Tess sipped some juice. “Aren’t we missing somebody?”

Erin laughed. “Carol’s probably still sleeping. I didn’t hear her come in last night, so it must have been late. I decided to let her sleep in.”

“I’m sure she’ll thank you for the few extra hours of shuteye.” Tess folded her arms on the table. “I’m glad you and Tony had a nice time last night. I say it’s high time you started showing a little interest in the lad. I think he’s quite