MAMA
DEARMAMA
DEARNever Say Never... Nicole Cox is a widowed single mother and struggling artist, whose passion for painting died when she lost her husband. Two years later, she meets a handsome doctor who would make a wonderful father--and cherished--life partner--if she can let go of the past.
This novella is included with two other touching tales of motherhood by Cheryl Faye (Second Chance) and Monique Gilmore (My Mother's Child).
Nicole was a half hour early to Delaney’s. The far north suburban house, Victorian in style, and immense in size, was one Nicole had always loved visiting. It was lavish and well decorated, befitting a modern upper-income family, each room decorated in what Delaney referred to as a separate ‘theme’. Nicole and Norman had opted for a small town style home, more fitting their own personalities. Despite Norman’s generous salary as a distinguished private university professor, he was never eager to display his wealth and Nicole respected him for that.
On the other hand, wealth was appreciated by Mr. and Mrs. Smith. They had the big house, the Mercedes and the BMW. It was no surprise to anyone when the couple decided to have a tennis court built in the backyard even though neither played tennis.
What was a surprise to Nicole, when she rang the doorbell, was that it was answered by Dr. Damon Jordan.
"Dr. Jordan," she said, completely surprised. Her mouth and her eyes opened wide at the sight of him, wondering for a quick moment if she was back in that dream that had consumed her thoughts all day.
"Please call me Damon." He cracked a friendly smile, that dimple standing out.
"You’re early, honey." Delaney strode from the hallway to the door, grabbing Nicole by the arm and pulling her into the house. "You’re both early."
Knowing now what had happened, Nicole glared searingly at Delaney. A set up. Delaney had attempted them before, until Nicole finally threatened to never go anywhere with her again. She thought it was over, but apparently she was wrong.
"What have you done?" Nicole asked in a quietly controlled tone, not wanting Damon to know how angry she was with Delaney.
"Why don’t you show Damon around the house," Delaney said with a flip of her head as she was already walking away from the two of them. "I need to set the table."
Nicole turned to Damon with an embarrassed grin. He looked fantastic as usual, his flawless face smiling warmly down at her. He knew he was attractive as he held his head up with air of self confidence, but he did wasn’t arrogant about it. He stood calm and collected in a white cotton button-down shirt and khaki shorts that showed off his muscled legs, his smile squarely set and intended for Nicole.
Overly aware of his inspection, Nicole suddenly remembered what she looked like. Not expecting anyone but Delaney, she had carelessly put her hair into a ponytail and threw on a wrinkled pink tank top and cut-off white denim shorts. She wished she had dressed better, but more so, she wished she didn’t care.
"Delaney lied to me, didn’t she?" Damon placed his hands on his straight hip, and gave Nicole and amused stare.
"What did she tell you?" Nicole nervously tucked her shirt in, attempting to look somewhat presentable.
"She called my office today and said you had reconsidered and were interested in meeting me. In getting to know me only you were nervous and she decided to call me."
Nicole found that suggestive enough. Now Delaney was acting as her pimp, practically handing her over.
"She does this sometimes," Nicole said apologetically. "You can see from the way I’m dressed, that I wasn’t expecting anyone."
"I think you look terrific." Damon surveyed her quickly.
"You do?" Nicole felt a tinge in the pit of her stomach as he looked her up and down. Her mind was urging, begging her heart to stop beating so fast. She did not want to be attracted to this man, but what she wanted to feel and what she was actually feeling were quickly becoming two completely different things.
"Yes," he answered. "You look about 18 years old, but very attractive."
"That compliment will get you a tour of the house, doctor."
"I really don’t want to impose if it wasn’t you’re intention to see me here."
"It wasn’t, but you’re here. There isn’t any reason why the three of us can’t have a friendly dinner." Nicole leaned in to whisper, the smell of his masculine cologne touching her nose and delighting her senses. "Your presence here will probably be the only thing that keeps me from strangling Dee for lying to both of us."
"I’ll do my civic duty." Damon placed a firm hand on Nicole’s shoulder. "My part in preventing a crime."
Nicole smiled despite the quiver she felt surge through her veins from the feel of his hand on her bare skin. The touch was warm, too warm for her liking, but she didn’t remove it. She simply walked ahead of him, causing it to slip off. Yet, she still felt it for a long time afterward.
She felt the tension, like a cool friction, between them as she became too aware any close contact with him made her temperature rise a degree. The warmth returned as he brushed her hip with his own accidentally when they returned to kitchen after the brief tour. She couldn’t even look him in the eye, afraid of saying something she’d regret, or worse, feeling something she’d regret.
She could feel him looking at her. It wasn’t in an aggressive, intimidating way, but admiringly. Nicole was annoyed with herself for letting him cause such a distraction to her senses. That annoyance was accentuated by the fact that she actually liked it. A sense of alarm swept over her. She realized that she found pleasure in his admiration. She could tell he was still interested in her and despite her resolve, she found it a little exciting. More than a little.
Nicole made a promise, in the form of an order, to herself to get an iron control of her feelings and stop this nonsense. It was up to her, after all, wasn’t it? She had no intentions of romance and that was that. Wasn’t it?
Her mind told her to stick to her guns, for this night would be over soon and she would be ‘safe’ at home with Alex. Her body, with a mind of its own, rebelled and took a seat next to Damon at the dinner table. Nicole felt the tension sweep through her as she realized this struggle would continue all night.
"So Damon." Delaney spoke with inquisitive enthusiasm as she served the food. "Let’s hear about you. We know you’re a doctor with and impeccable record, but what about Damon Jordan the man?"
"Well." Damon’s dimple made a brief appearance as he shyly smiled. "Where do you want me to start?"
"Childhood is fine." Delaney poured the wine.
"Dee, please," Nicole said. "That’s not necessary."
"I don’t mind." Damon took a sip of water before speaking again. "I was born in Muncie, Indiana, the only son of Davis and Alanis Jordan. I have a younger sister who is in law school at Princeton."
"Impressive." Delaney winked in Nicole’s direction.
"Stop," Nicole scowled at her. "Go on, Damon."
"My family moved to Northbrook, Illinois when I was 16. I went to Howard University for my pre-med studies and...
"That’s all great," Delaney interrupted, with her usual impatience. "What about now? What do you like to do now?"
"My practice is only a year old and it keeps me very busy, but I also volunteer at the free clinic on the West Side of the city every two weeks."
Great, Nicole thought, the struggle raging on inside her. He’s not only gorgeous, sexy, friendly and , he’s also generous and caring. Why couldn’t he be a jerk and make it easy not to like him?
"You said you live in Lincolnwood now?" Delaney asked.
"Yes, I need to be close to my practice, but I’ve driven around Evanston and I like it very much." He turned to Nicole with a charming smile. "You have a great town."
"Thank you." Nicole gave a nervous laugh as she lowered her head to look at her plate. She felt her temperature take that creep up again. Just because of a smile? She couldn’t let him know the effect he had on her. She needed to depict an ease of nature despite the turmoil that was threatening inside. Quit looking at him, her mind told he. Choose your words carefully and avoid eye contact. You’ll be home soon.
Nicole felt strengthened as she lifted her head again, only to connect her eyes with his, seeing the romantic tension they held. He’s so cute, her body told her. He seems very nice and funny. There’s no harm in a friendly dinner. It told her that her mind was working overtime and she needed to shut it down. Just for a moment. You’ll be fine.
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