The Book Signing

All of my writing is fiction, and the stories and characters are products of my imagination. They were created for my fun and, hopefully, your enjoyment. Some of the events in the stories are not particularly condoned nor encouraged by the author but are there to create and enhance the story of the imaginary characters and their lives. Comments are always encouraged and carefully reviewed. All characters within the story that need to be are 18 years of age or older. I hope you enjoy! And take a second to vote and comment.

If you're looking for lots of sex, this is probably not the story for you. If you're content with a little sex, then read on.

~~~

Adrian hated to go to Samuel's office. It was never a pleasant experience, as Samuel was very detail-and-deadline-oriented, while Adrian was much more laid-back with a laissez-faire attitude toward life and, well, his writing. Samuel was anxious to get the next chapter of the new book, Adrian's fifth, but it wasn't quite completed yet, and might not be for a while. Writing wasn't like many other occupations; it couldn't be rushed nor tied securely to a timeline.

"Good morning, Maryanne. Is Samuel in?"

"Good to see you, Adrian, and yes, he is. He's waiting for you."

"Doesn't sound good. Maybe I should just go home and call on the phone."

She laughed. "That would be a waste of gasoline and time. Maybe you should just go on in."

"I think you're on his side, and you're beginning to talk just as he does."

"I listen to him all of the time, so I guess that might be expected."

She picked up her phone and pushed a button on the console.

"Adrian is here," she announced.

"It's about time," they both heard from the headset.

Maryanne rolled her eyes as she hung up. "Good luck," she said with a little chuckle.

Adrian sighed. "Thanks," he replied as he headed toward the inner office door.

"Adrian, it's good to see you, but you don't have an envelope or folder in your hands."

"You're very observant, Samuel. When the chapter is finished, I'll bring it to you in a neat folder. Do you have a color preference?"

"It can be a used folder or a plastic bag. I just want the damn chapter."

Adrian sat down in a chair across the desk from Samuel and stared at him.

"What, you're going to be the temperamental artist now? I wish I could somehow make you appreciate the value and necessity of schedules and deadlines. They're very important in my line of work." Samuel was shaking his head, as though realizing the futility of his words.

"They're a real annoyance in my line of work, and I tend to ignore them as they interfere with my creative juices, let alone the process of writing."

"But they're important, Adrian. We have to plan the printing, the release, the signings, and all of those other important details."

"Listen, I've given you four bestsellers doing it my way. If you want it your way, you'll get junk, and I'm not interested in producing junk. Unlike your business, where you come to work each day and the work is there to be done, in my business, there are days when I sit and think and try to produce, but nothing happens. It's not always predictable. So, I think I'll leave since we're wasting time rehashing things that aren't going to change. When the chapter is done, you'll get it. Or," he said, just for effect, "maybe I should just retire from writing since getting a new agent might not provide any improvement."

Adrian stood, turned, and left the office.

"How'd it go?" Maryanne asked.

"I'm sure you'll hear about it."

"Yes, I'm sure, since I'm his sounding board, or punching bag on occasion. It's a good thing he pays well. And I think I have your books to thank for that."

Adrian laughed. "Hopefully they'll keep coming," he said, waving to Maryanne as he disappeared through the outer door.

~~~

"Have you heard anything from Nora? She knew we were meeting for lunch, didn't she?"

"She knew," Cass said. "I told her personally, but when you're an actuarial math whiz, sometimes you forget common stuff, particularly when you're highly involved."

"Is she highly involved?" Charlotte questioned.

"Who knows?" Salem answered, but I think I see her coming through the door."

"A little later and we could have dinner instead of lunch," Cass teased.

"You guys, I'm what, ten minutes late?" Nora sat down at the table. She chuckled. "You guys should be plenty used to that by now."

"Thank goodness we have an hour for lunch. When it used to be thirty minutes, this would never have worked."

"Yeah, yeah. Go ahead, pick on me. I can take it."

"I guess when you're a math nerd, you have to learn to take it."

"What do you mean, math nerd?" I just use mathematics in my job."

"Actuarial math, at that. Everything you do or plan to do is based on statistics. It's boring. No excitement. No taking a chance. Just probabilities," Salem said.

"Ah yes, Salem of the witch trials fame, who seeks excitement and unplanned experiences."

"Nora, are you forever going to remind me that my name happens to be the same as that place in Massachusetts where that weird stuff happened?"

"I'll ask again. Have you read about it?"

"No, and I have no interest in reading about it."

"Well, I have, and it's very frightening, but interesting."

"So you take time away from your statistics and very ordered life to read books?" Charlotte asked with a chuckle.

Nora snorted. "Yes, I read not just about the Salem witch trials, but fictional books as well."

"Fictional statistics?"

Nora shook her head. "No, not fictional statistics. I enjoy adventure and romance."

"You? Romance?"

"Yes, and tomorrow evening I'm going to the Barnes and Noble store for a book signing by Drew Bronson."

"Oh my gosh. I didn't know he was in town," Cass said. I've read one of his books, and I enjoyed it."

"He's written four, and I understand he's working on a fifth now. I'm anxious to meet him and see what someone who writes as he does looks like."

"You want to see what he looks like?"

"Yes, Charlotte. There are no photos on his books, and my natural curiosity wants to put a face with a name. It may help me relate to his books a little more."

"Well, tell me what he's like, and I may read another one of his books," Cass said, smiling at the male server who'd just appeared.

The four of them ordered and teased Nora gently about going to the book signing so that she could see Drew Bronson.

"We know why you want to see him. So that you can climb into bed with his book and the picture of him in your mind, and who knows what happens then," Salem said with a little giggle.

"You're disgusting," Nora said, taking a sip of her iced tea that had just arrived.

"Did that guy from upstairs ever ask you for that date?"

She sighed. "Yeah, he did, and I said yes. When he finds out how boring I am, I think he'll leave me alone."

That brought laughter from the other three.

"Didn't you say you had some special family thing that you hoped could be worked out?"

"Yes, but I'm not sure about it yet. I have a group of relatives in China who want to come visit us, and it's not the easiest thing to accomplish these days. It looks like it's going to work out, but no final word yet."

"Didn't your parents come here from China?"

"Yes, they did, but it was about forty years ago."

"And they're citizens now, right?"

"That happened quickly. They were anxious to become Americans. I've been tempted to go to China to see the relatives I've never met, but my parents are very reluctant to see that happen."

"Well, good luck on that, and I hope you enjoy the book signing tomorrow. Maybe take a selfie with that Drew guy, so you can share it with us."

"I'll see what I can do."

~~~

Adrian's Porsche moved slowly down the quarter-mile-long driveway and stopped in front of his cabin. He climbed out of the car and stretched. He debated for a moment, then headed around the cabin and along the path through the woods. His property wasn't huge-about fourteen acres-but he loved every square inch of it. Soon, he heard the sound of flowing water. The creek. He sat down in the Adirondack chair and just looked and listened for several minutes.

"I wonder if Samuel Prescott has ever done this?" he said aloud and chuckled.

This was the place Adrian went to recharge, to think, and to find inspiration. He needed to finish the chapter, the second-to-last for the book. It was nearly finished, and he just needed to take the time to complete the last segment. The final chapter was already in his head and just needed to be written.

Tomorrow he had that book-signing commitment and would be driving the two hundred miles to the Barnes and Noble store where it was to happen. He'd booked a hotel room since he didn't want to drive home late at night. He was not a particularly gregarious person, but the signings were a part of the responsibility of being an author. He wrote under a pseudonym, which kept him away from much of the public view, and there were so few people who actually knew him that it was unlikely that he'd be unmasked at one of the signings.

He stood and headed for the cabin. There was still time today to finish the chapter, which would make Samuel very happy. After that, he was free to do as he chose, which would probably include time in his hot tub. His cabin wasn't huge, and he had told the designer he'd employed that he wasn't interested in plush, but just simple comfort. He'd been more than happy with the final result.

The drive to the book signing site went well. Adrian loved his Porsche, and driving it was always fun. He checked into the hotel, went to the restaurant, and had a very tasty dinner along with a glass of excellent Pinot Grigio. He was tempted to have a second glass, but dismissed the idea. Being buzzed at the signing didn't seem like a good idea, even though he would walk to the Barnes and Noble. He never allowed himself to drive if he'd had two glasses of wine.

He made the short walk, was greeted by the store manager, and was shown the table along with the area where the signings would take place. People were arriving, and Adrian tried to judge the size of the crowd to see how quickly he could get away, have more wine, and perhaps lounge in the hot tub before climbing into bed.

The crowd gathered around, and Adrian began signing. When he glanced up at the fourth person, his blood ran cold.

A beautiful woman with oriental features stood before him, her book half-extended.

Adrian?" she said softly, her eyes wide.

"Nora, what are you doing here?" As he said that, he realized that it was probably the most thoughtless question he had ever asked.

Nora looked around at the signs bearing the author's name.

"I came to have Drew Bronson sign my book," she replied, her face filled with astonishment.

Adrian took the book from her and carefully wrote, To Nora, with many remembrances. From Drew Bronson, a. k. a. Adrian Cole.

The last person he'd expected to see at a book signing was the girl, now a woman, who he had expected he'd spend his life with, until his parents had nixed the idea of his marrying someone whose heritage was Chinese. It had been ugly and nearly eighteen years now, but his heart was pounding from just the sight of her.

"Can you stay until I'm finished, and we can talk?" he asked quietly.

She quickly replied, "Yes, I'd like that," and stepped away from the table.

The rest of the evening was rote repetitions of smiling, asking a name, and signing the books. His mind was a jumble. When he reached for the next book, no one was there. A few people were still milling around, and the manager thanked him profusely, as he had sold many of Drew's books that evening.

Adrian spotted Nora sitting at a table, leafing through a book, and went to her.

"I'm not sure what to say," he began.

"That makes two of us," she replied.

"I'm staying at the hotel just a few doors away. Would you join me at the bar there, and we can talk?"

She looked at him, appraising his question as she remembered that time nearly eighteen years ago.

"Sure," was her simple reply.

They walked side by side to the hotel, neither saying anything until they were seated at a table in the bar.

"So," he said at last, "you read my books?"

"I've read Drew Bronson's book, but I never imagined that he was Adrian Cole."

"Well, I suspect that you remember that I always tended to shy away from any attention."

"I remember that, but I never imagined you as a writer, particularly of bestsellers."

"I wrote while we were, well, together, but I never shared it or told anyone."

"It's just a huge surprise, Adrian."

"Nora, before we say another word, I apologize for all that happened and the pain it had to have caused you."

A moment's silence. "I vowed to never speak to you again, no matter what else happened." Another moment of silence. "That was a long time ago, and I think we have both matured."

"Hello, you two. May I bring you something to drink? I have a menu if you're hungry." The server smiled, looking from Nora to Adrian.

He looked at Nora, a questioning look on his face.

"What are you having?" she asked quietly.

"Does chardonnay sound good?"

"Yes, that would be fine," Nora replied rather stiffly.

"Two, then," Adrian said.

"I'll be right back."

He looked at Nora perched on the edge of her chair, knees together and hands folded in her lap. He wished she'd relax a little, but realized he was reaching for the moon or beyond.

"I never imagined I'd see you again," Adrian said, leaning back in his chair.

"I hated you for not standing up to your parents." She started to say more but stopped and looked away.

"I apologize for dredging up pain and ugliness, Nora."

"Here ya go," the server said. She glanced at Nora, then gave Adrian a look of condemnation that made him very uncomfortable.

"Just wave if you need me," she said and left.

"Adrian, I don't know where to begin, or even if I should begin." She sighed. "I do like your books, though."

"Thanks. What did you see in them?"

"That's a difficult question, Adrian, because I know what you'd like to hear. Just accept, for now, that I like them."

Adrian smiled internally, dwelling on two very special words. for now. Those two words spoke of the future.

"I love the writing," he told her.

"You'd have to, to keep doing it."

Maybe his writing was the common ground they needed. Even though it looked to be impossible, he hoped that there might be a way to make it up to her, even if just a tiny bit.

"I'm nearly finished with a new book."

"I heard that. Is it as good as the others?" she asked.

"I hope so and think so, but I'll send you one of the first copies if you'll read it and give me your opinion."

"My opinion doesn't carry any weight, Adrian."

"It does with me. Listen. I'll give you my cell number and my email address, and the rest is up to you."

"I can give you my number," she said.

"I'd feel way more comfortable doing it this way."

With the strange feelings he hadn't had for many years, he wasn't sure that if he had her number, he could keep from calling her. And he wasn't willing to take that chance.

"The book should be ready within a month, and I'll send you an autographed copy and wait for your opinion."

"That's kind of you, Adrian. I'm already looking forward to reading it. Is it long, like the others?"

"About the same."

"It may take me two or three days to get back to you."

"Nora, you're doing me a huge favor, so I'm not accepting any apologies from you."

"Do you live here?" she asked, not looking at him.

"No, I'm a couple of hours away, but I have a room here at the hotel. I'll head home tomorrow and work hard to finish the book as quickly as I can."

"If you rush, will it turn out okay?"

"I already know, in my mind, how the last chapter will turn out. It's just a matter of filling in the words."

"You write amazing stories, and you explain them by saying that it's just a matter of filling in the words."

Adrian chuckled. "I don't want to demean my work or the process, but when you know how the story will go, it's just a matter of putting it into words."

"Sounds so simple."

"Let me ask what you're doing for a living these days."

"I work for an actuarial firm, and I have a master's in actuarial mathematics "

"So, to put it in the simple words of a non-STEM person, you know the formulas or the algorithms, and it's just a matter of filling in the numbers and cranking out the answer."

That brought a smile to Nora's face, and Adrian wished that he'd been able to photograph it.

"This wine is good," she said.

"I'm enjoying it and glad you are, too."

Adrian received a long look from the very beautiful Nora.

"I'd better get going. I have some things to catch up on at home, and tomorrow will be a long day for me."

"Let me walk you to your car. Is it in the Barnes and Noble lot?"

"Unless it's been towed, it should be."

As they walked the short distance to the bookstore parking lot, Adrian said once more, "I'm so sorry for what happened all those years ago, and I wish there was a way I could make it up to you."

"Adrian, that was many years ago, and now that I've met the current Adrian, I'm going to dismiss that past from my life. This is now, and I'm anxious to read your book."

"That's enough for me, Nora."

She climbed into her car, and Adrian closed the door. Nora smiled, waved, and was quickly gone.

But Adrian wondered about his words. Was that really enough for him?"

~~~

Back at the cabin, Adrian wrote until two in the morning, completing the chapter that Samuel seemed so intent on getting. He relaxed and emailed the work to his agent. The writing had been easy, and he had done it with a smile on his face. Meeting Nora had seemed to somehow put his world in order. He warned himself to be cautious, but seeing her after eighteen years of no contact had been both exhilarating and terrifying. He wouldn't have blamed her if she'd refused to speak with him or accept his signature on her book. But that hadn't happened, and they'd gone to the bar and talked.

He'd given her his number and email, and any further contact between them was up to her. He wasn't hoping that things could get back to where they'd been, but the guilt had lain heavily on him over the years. He'd apologized, but the server had interrupted, and Nora hadn't said that she accepted his apology, nor had she used the word forgive in any form. He wondered if that was too much to expect, after what he'd done.

He decided to get to bed so he'd at least get a little sleep. He set the alarm on his cell phone for eight o'clock. He wanted to start the final chapter and finish it in no more than three days. It was ambitious, but he hadn't felt this much enthusiasm for a long time.

As he was eating breakfast, his cell phone rang.

"Hello, Samuel. What can I do for you this morning?"

"You already did it, Adrian. Your spark must have returned."

Adrian smiled. "I guess you could say that."

"Is it going to continue, or was it a flash in the pan?"

"Smart ass. I should have the final chapter ready by the end of the week."

"You're my hero, Adrian. Your editor is ready, and in three or four weeks, we should have books available."

I was amazed. My first book took nine months from writing completion until hard copies were available. When people are anxious for dollars, things seem to move a little faster.

"That's great, Samuel. I'm very anxious to get two or three copies."

"Oh?"

"No explanations. Just get the copies to me."

"We'll do our best."

Adrian hung up, smiled, and grabbed his laptop. Four minutes later, he was listening to the gentle rippling of the creek from his Adirondack chair. He gazed at the water, his mind wandering, and it naturally went to eighteen years ago and the decision he'd made then. He'd never seen his parents so adamant and on the edge of anger. He knew he'd never forget the disgustingly hateful and vulgar things his father had said.

There's no way we're going to allow you to marry some C***k bitch.

He shivered and closed his eyes as the words echoed through his brain. At least Nora hadn't heard that. He knew that feeling was prevalent in his family, as his grandfather refused to eat in a Japanese restaurant or purchase anything that said "Made in Japan" due to WWII.

But Nora had never been a part of the Red Guards. She was born in the USA and was the sweetest, gentlest, and most loving person he'd ever met. How had he ever been able to do what he'd done? And even after he'd broken up with her, his parents had been angry with him that he'd even considered doing such a rash and disgusting thing.

He was pulled out of his reverie by a fish splashing in the water close to him. He knew he had another story to write, but should he write it as Drew Bronson or as Adrian Cole? He hoped that time might direct him.

Back inside, he wrote, and the following day he wrote more, and so on for the rest of the week. He emailed the chapter to Samuel, who called him immediately, gushing with thanks for his effort. But it wasn't Samuel he wanted to hear from.

~~~

Nora had driven home in a fog, constantly having to think about what she was doing to keep from running her car straight into a tree. Her life had been flipped totally upside down... again. Seeing Adrian sitting at the table, about to sign her book, had totally disoriented her. She loved Drew's books, but finding that they had actually been written by Adrian completely shocked her.

That should have made her hate them. Shouldn't it?"

She hated Adrian. Didn't she?"

She pulled into her garage, closed the door, and didn't move. Suddenly, she was pounding on the steering wheel, screaming, "Why? Why? Why?" She'd gone to a book signing, and her life had become suddenly discombobulated. It wasn't fair. It wasn't right. It wasn't what she wanted.

What did she want? At one time she'd wanted Adrian more than anything in the world, but it had become ugly and nasty. She had seen him once again this very night, and he didn't seem at all like the Adrian she'd known. At least not the one who'd sent her away defeated and broken.

As more thoughts raced helter-skelter through her mind, she realized that she was who she was today because of what had happened then. And she was very content with who she was, or at least she had been until a couple of hours ago.

She sighed and opened her rather large purse, removing the book that Drew/Adrian had signed. She lifted the back cover to reveal a phone number and email address that had been carefully inscribed there. She had a phone. She could text, call, or email. She snickered. Maybe another night, after his book had been published

Nora decided that pounding on the steering wheel wasn't accomplishing anything, so she decided to go inside the house and explore possibilities, if there were any that were viable. Maybe just a hot bath and bed, and then tomorrow.

The bath was partially soothing, although she wished the warm water could reach her brain and soothe it as well. She dried, put on her nighty, brushed her teeth, and went to the bedroom. She looked at the bed, but it was as if something was tugging on her. She opened the bottom drawer of her dresser and quickly pulled out a small black folder. She opened it.

"To the most wonderful girl in the world. Best regards forever." Adrian had given her his senior picture with those words carefully written across the bottom. She snickered. Forever had lasted about two years, until that day he told her his parents wouldn't allow him to marry a Chinese girl. The sounds and the memories were vivid.

"Adrian, you're twenty years old. You're an adult. Your parents can't tell you what to do any longer."

She remembered the twisted look on his face, as if someone was removing his appendix without an anesthetic. She'd felt the pain in her own heart, but sensed the pain in his as well.

"You don't know them as I do, Nora. They would make my life miserable."

"And doing this isn't making your life miserable," I pleaded.

She remembered the pain in his face as he looked at her, then turned away.

"Maybe I'll just kill myself," she barely heard him say.

"That won't solve anything, Adrian. Just marry me. We can run away, and it will be done, and no one can stop us."

"I... I can't do that," he said with a trembling voice as he walked away from her for the last time, until he walked away from her car this evening.

Eighteen years.

She glanced at the drawer, still full of memories from that time long ago. Many times she'd tried to throw them away, but never could. Some days it would disgust her that she couldn't just stuff all of those memories into a trash can, but it never happened.

She carefully put the picture back where it had been, closed the drawer, and climbed into bed.

Work the following morning was very satisfying. There was plenty to be done, and it required a concentration that kept other things from distracting her. But lunchtime came, and she was to meet three ladies who'd grill her about the book signing. I hoped I was prepared.

"Hey, Cass, where are your two cohorts?"

"Restroom stop," she replied with a grin.

"Have you guys been busy today?"

"Not overwhelmed, but busy, yeah. How are things with the math whiz?"

"Busy with a capital B," she replied, but didn't add the thank goodness that she felt.

Salem and Charlotte came to the table and sat down.

"How was the book signing?" Salem asked.

"It was fine. I got my book signed."

"Did you bring it so we could see it?"

"There's nothing particularly exciting about seeing a signature."

"Is he a handsome stud?" Charlotte asked, a little smirk on her face.

"He's nice-looking, for sure."

"Did you ask him about his new book?"

"He mentioned it, and I'm anxious to read it.?

"Me too. I wonder how long it will be before it's available."

"He didn't say when that might be, but I'm ready."

"I don't want to say anything," Cass said, "but you don't seem very enthusiastic about getting your book signed by the best-selling author."

Nora was sure that was true. Even talking about the book signing was bringing back lots of memories, and seemed to be reminding her that she had his phone number and email address, and could contact him, or at least try to contact him, any time that she wanted. And she knew that it was the only way that was going to happen.

"Work is just backed up, and I can't get it off my mind."

That was weak, and she suspected the three knew her well enough to realize that wasn't the full story. But she wasn't anywhere near ready to share that part of her life with them. It was a part that had been over, but suddenly was alive again. She wondered what form of life it might take.

"One of these days, bring the book and let us see his signature. "

"Didn't you take a selfie with him?" Cass asked.

"They didn't allow photos." She'd seen a sign as she came through the door.

"A mystery man then," Salem said with a chuckle.

More of a mystery man now than they'd imagined.

The subject of the conversation eventually changed, and Nora returned to work with nothing resolved.

~~~

He wished she'd call. For the last two or three days he'd chastised himself for not getting her number. He was probably being overly optimistic since he doubted she'd have given it to him.

He'd been debating ever since the book signing about the subject of his next novel. Actually, he had a subject. He just needed the guts to do it. Plus, he needed an ending.

Two nonproductive weeks passed with the Adirondack chair being well-used. Adrian even spent some time sitting in the creek, letting the water cascade around him. It would have been a little more relaxing if the water had been a little warmer. He was toweling off when he heard his cell phone. It was an unknown number.

"Hello,"

"Hello, Adrian. This is Nora."

He'd known that the instant he'd heard her voice.

"Hello, Nora. I was hoping you'd call."

"I thought I'd check on the new book. I'm anxious to read it."

"It's finished, and I'm just waiting for the first copies."

"Do you have any idea about time?"

"Soon, Nora. That's about the best I can do today."

"Let me give you an address where you can send it."

"I'd rather give it to you personally if that's possible. And I can sign it for you then, too." He crossed the fingers of the hand not holding the phone.

"I think that could work, Adrian. How about the hotel where we met before?"

"Sounds perfect, Nora."

"I'm sorry, Adrian, but how much of a drive is that for you?"

"Only about two hours," he replied.

It's only about fifteen minutes for me. Can we meet somewhere in the middle?"

"I'm fine with the hotel, Nora. I'm not doing anything particularly creative right now, so the drive is no issue.

"Are you sure?"

"Very much so. I have your number now, too, so I'll let you know when the copies arrive."

"I appreciate that, Adrian. Thank you."

"No problem, and you're welcome. I'm looking forward to talking with you again."

"Me too. Bye now."

Adrian immediately called Samuel.

"How are you, Adrian?"

"Waiting for copies of the book."

Samuel laughed. "It's hard to push those publishers and printers.

"Well, it's your job to push them... for me."

"I don't think that's part of my job."

"Damn it, if you don't, I'll find an agent who does."

"What's going on that you're so upset?"

"None of your business. You're good at pushing me to get things done. Push someone else for a change."

"Listen, I don't like to see you so upset, so let me get hold of the printers and see if they have any preliminary copies. They usually print a few, make corrections, then do the final run. I'll get back with you."

"Thanks, but make it quick."

Adrian smiled as he hung up. Finally, it was his chance to push Samuel a little, and he rather enjoyed it. He hoped it accomplished something.

An hour later, his phone rang.

"Adrian, good news. Just as I suspected, they'd printed some trial copies. You'll have four of them tomorrow."

"Good job, Samuel. I guess that my getting upset worked."

"Yeah, well, don't make a habit of it. That's my job. Good luck with whatever you needed them for."

"Thanks. I may need it. Talk to you later."

Tomorrow. He thought about it, but decided to wait until he had the books in his hand. He thought he might spend the rest of the day thinking and planning.

Better than he could have hoped for, Adrian's books arrived a little before ten o'clock the following morning. He checked one of them but couldn't find anything obviously defective about it. No excuses now. He made the call.

"Hello. You've reached the voicemail of Nora Chen. Leave your name, number, and a message, and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can."

Adrian growled. More waiting. He'd done enough waiting already.

He was just sitting down to eat his lunch when his phone rang. He grabbed it to answer, spilling his soup in the process.

"Hello, Nora."

"Hello, Adrian. Do you have the books?"

He could hear the excitement in her voice. He hoped that excitement continued.

"Yes, I have four of them. And I'm ready to bring one to you if you're available."

"That's exciting, Adrian. When are you thinking of bringing them?"

"Tonight is good for me."

"Wow, that's quick." A moment's silence. "I don't have anything on my schedule this evening, so if you're willing to drive over here, I'd love to get the book."

"I'd love to get the book to you, and to make things better for both of us, why don't we have dinner at the hotel?"

"Adrian, I don't know."

"We had drinks the other night; this is just dinner."

Adrian thought he heard a sigh.

"You're right. What time is good for you?"

"I can be there in two hours. What's good for you?"

He heard a tiny laugh. "I'm not totally sure how long I'll have to stay at work, so how about seven?"

"Perfect. I need to do some shopping, so I'll probably be there a little early."

"Adrian, I appreciate you doing this, and I'm still having trouble putting Adrian Cole with Drew Bronson."

"I'm sure, Nora. Sometimes I have trouble realizing it myself."

"I'm looking forward to reading the book. Tomorrow at seven, then."

"Looking forward to it."

~~~

Nora put the phone in her purse and headed to the lunchroom. She purchased a sandwich and salad from one of the machines and headed for a corner table. Her mind was working, and she wasn't interested in aimless conversation.

She couldn't help wondering if she'd made a mistake by accepting Adrian's dinner invitation. She also wondered, self-consciously, if she wanted to have dinner with Adrian. She knew it was possible, and she also knew that if something was going to happen between them, it was up to her to start it. And she certainly wasn't there yet. She'd just have to see what happened.

She finished lunch and went back to work, anxious to submerge herself in numbers and probabilities. It seemed to work, as when it was time to leave work, she'd forgotten about going to dinner and had to rush home to get ready. Actually, she'd misread her phone and had nearly two hours to prepare.

She showered, worked with her hair, picked through several possible outfits, and worried about what scent to wear. As she finished, her mind was littered with questions about why she was so concerned with how she looked, and even her aroma.

She finally determined that she'd stop thinking until they met, which was only partially successful. She parked in the hotel garage and went inside. Not surprisingly, Adrian was there waiting for her, a book under his arm.

"Nora, you look gorgeous. Any problems getting here?"

"Not at all. How about you?"

"It was a pleasant drive, and I bought this shirt. Do you like it?'

"It's pretty. I like the colors."

"It's a little unusual, but I'm a little unusual," he added with a laugh.

Nora didn't respond.

"Are you ready for dinner? Adrian asked.

"Yes, it's been a long day, and some food might pep me up."

They went into the dining room, were seated, and their drinks were served.

"I see you eyeing the book," he teased.

"I can hardly wait, Adrian."

"Let me sign it for you." He stood, walked around the table, and knelt beside her chair, putting the book on the table in front of her, the front cover open. He took a felt marker from his pocket and wrote very carefully.

To Nora, the first and only love of my life. Adrian (Drew Bronson)

He heard her gasp. "Adrian."

She slowly turned her head to look at him, their faces just inches apart. He wasn't certain, but he thought he saw traces of tears in her eyes. But that was all she said.

He smiled. "I know that surprises you, but it's true."

She hadn't been prepared for him to write something like that, and she wasn't certain what to do next. There were feelings racing through her body that she hadn't experienced in probably the entire eighteen years they'd been apart, but she wasn't sure whether or not she could believe them. It was so sudden.

Adrian seemed to realize what was happening and stood, moving quickly to his seat across from her.

"You look beautiful tonight, and there must be a reason for that," he said very directly.

Yes, there must be, she thought, but was she willing to admit what it was? She always tried to look nice, but knew she'd worked extra hard this evening. But what he'd written, and what he'd said, had her totally overwhelmed and nearly speechless. She decided she really needed to say something.

"Adrian, what you wrote in the book." She paused.

"Nora, I knew that would surprise you: okay, shock you, but I had to let you know how I feel, and this might be my only chance."

"I understand, and... and you were my first love, too. There's never been anyone else besides you. There are things that I'm feeling that I don't understand. And there are others that I do understand."

"But I thought you had married "

"I was, but there was no love there. I'd rather not even talk about it."

Nora paused when the server appeared to take their orders, and she was surprised when Adrian ordered for both of them. When the server left, she sent him a questioning look.

"That's what we ordered the last time we ate together."

"You remembered that?"

"I've remembered lots of things, Nora. And I've remembered some things that never happened, you know."

She looked at him, and this time, the tears were obvious.

"You said something, Adrian, that tonight might be your last chance. I don't want to make it that. If you're willing to deal with my reticence and fear, we can see each other again. I think I'd like that."

"You've answered my most anguished prayers, Nora, and all I can say is thank you. First love is a strong emotion, and I hope that it's a basis for whatever follows. Now, our food is coming, so light conversation for a while."

"Light conversation suits me just fine."

Both agreed their T-bone steaks were excellent, the baked potato loaded with sour cream was cooked exactly right, and the asparagus was a tiny bit crunchy, just as they both preferred.

Adrian asked about Nora's job, noting that he and mathematics were not friends, so just tell him about the workplace, her co-workers, and how she was doing with her projects-no details, please.

"Adrian, I'm very interested in your writing. It's so different from what I expected of you, and so distant from what I do, I can't help but wonder how it happens"

He chuckled. "I asked a young lady who was writing poetry, something I'm not very adept at, how she was able to write like that. Her answer was, Does one ask the wind how it blows? Some things seem to be inherent to our being and composition and can't be explained. When I write, words pop into my mind that fit the situation perfectly, but they're not words I'd ever use in conversation. Why and how does that happen? Just weirdness, I guess."

"I don't think it's weird at all. I love your books, the writing and the stories."

"You know, I've thought about you a lot, Nora, but never about the possibility of you reading my books. It warms my heart to know that you like them."

The thought that something she'd said warmed his heart warmed hers in return. That heart had loved him fiercely at one time, and it seemed to be clinging to some of those feelings even as they ate a meal together.

"Adrian, I'm not quite certain what to say here. I loved you very much once a long time ago, but despite my mind rejecting it, I don't think my heart has completely done it." She saw that he was nodding as she spoke.

"That's almost exactly what I've been thinking about myself."

"I think you're far ahead of me, Adrian, but I'm willing to try. I feel like I'm very fragile and could break very easily."

"Those are beautiful words to my ears, and also simply beautiful words. I'm sure they'll appear in one of my books soon."

"They're just the way I feel."

"And I understand and cherish those feelings. I would suggest that you take the lead with everything between us, but I know that would make you very uncomfortable. If I were writing a definition of fragile, I would say susceptible to damage or breakage. And those are the absolute last things I want for you, Nora."

"When you asked me here for dinner and for signing the book, did you consider it asking me for a date?"

"You mean that I may be in trouble already?"

A gentle laugh from Nora. "No, I'm just curious."

"I wanted to bring the book to you and sign it for you, but the dinner was an excuse to spend more time with you. I don't think that should be considered a date."

"I just wanted to be clear on that. We'll split the bill then."

Adrian looked at her and smiled. "That would be very difficult for me, Nora. A slight modification suggestion. I'll pay this time, you pay the next time, and we alternate."

"That sounds more actuarial than poetic."

"Spur-of-the-moment, you know, but it's just a thought."

"Let's try that and see how it goes."

"What shall we do now?" he asked. "Now that I'm with you, I hate to let you get away."

She chuckled. "I could handle one glass of wine."

He waved, and the server appeared. Two glasses of wine were ordered.

"Where do you live now, Adrian?"

"Well, I have a cabin out away from town with a few acres of woods and a creek running through it."

"Sounds beautiful."

"It is, and I'd love for you to come see it."

When he looked up from his glass of wine, their eyes met.

Michael

"Yes, and all in good time," he added guiltily

"Adrian, give me your hand."

He held back as the server arrived with their wine.

"Anything else I can get for you two?"

"No, thank you. I think we have all that we need," he answered.

He laid his hand on the table, and Nora took it in both of hers.

Adrian, we have a past, we have today, and it looks like we're hoping for a future. But there will be stumbles, memories revived, and possibly some misspoken words. But if our love, should it develop, cannot overlook things like that..." She shrugged.

"You're right," Adrian admitted as he stood with Nora still holding his hand. "Let's go for a walk."

They walked for a block without saying anything, simply enjoying the sights and sounds of the late evening. It had been a long time since either of them had held the hand of someone of the opposite sex, and both were enjoying the feeling.

"You know, I would love for you to see my place. I think it's kind of unique and you'd love it. If you'd like, I'll stay outside while you look at the cabin," he assured her with a big smile.

"Well, Adrian, I'd love to see it, and I'd prefer it if you were there with me so you could explain things and answer my questions."

"How daring are you?"

"I think you know me well enough to know that I'm not very daring, but what did you have in mind?"

"What time is it?"

"Nearly nine o'clock."

"That's not going to work. I was going to suggest that we go to the cabin now, but it would be eleven before we got there, and you wouldn't get back home until two in the morning."

"You wouldn't invite me to spend the night?"

"Nora, when I asked how daring you were, I wasn't expecting an answer like that."

She laughed. "Maybe I'm just testing you to see what your response might be."

"How was my response?"

"Non-responsive."

"I guess I think it might be better to wait for Saturday. You can come and spend the day, enjoy that cabin, and we can go to dinner at a little place where I eat often. It has six stools at a bar and six tables with oilcloth tablecloths. The food is great, and they all know me there."

"Do they know you as Adrian, or as Drew?"

"I guess they don't really know me, do they, since I'm Drew when I'm there."

"I think your plan sounds excellent."

"The invitation to spend the night is still valid, too."

"Do you have a second bedroom with a lock on the door?" she asked with a chuckle.

"As a matter of fact, I have two spare bedrooms with locks on the doors."

"Would I be able to slide a chest of drawers in front of the door as well?"

"That would be optional, of course, but there is a heavy chest of drawers in each of the other two rooms."

She rubbed her chin, then smiled. "That might be okay then."

"Are you testing me again?"

A quick nibble on her lower lip. "No, I think I'm testing myself."

"Then don't let me influence your thinking."

The thought of spending the night and what could happen if she wanted it to was not a totally foreign concept. They'd been intimate together on two occasions before that fateful day of separation. She'd been terrified, but they'd been fantastic, sensual experiences that she'd had no way to anticipate. At the time, the thought of repeating that for the rest of her life had been nearly staggering, something she hadn't expected. Then, it had suddenly disappeared.

"A penny for those deep, deep thoughts."

"Would you be too offended if I came to see your cabin but didn't spend the night in either of the lockable bedrooms?"

"Far from it. Let me write the address for you, and I'll see you there at ten on Saturday morning."

"That was settled quickly."

Nora felt her cheeks reddening. Adrian put a hand on one of them.

"Maybe you should keep those thoughts to yourself," he said with a little laugh.

"Exactly what I was planning to do."

"Once again, I ask you not to let me influence your thinking."

She laughed. "I wouldn't dare do that, would I?

"Probably not."

They walked in silence for several minutes.

"I sometimes had dreams, fantasies maybe, of doing something like this with you. And here we are."

She squeezed his hand. "Slowly is not a word I'm used to having control me."

"Fortunately, I guess, slowly is a very familiar word in my life. Just ask my agent."

"Lucky you," she replied.

They turned a corner and headed back toward the hotel.

"So I get to see your cabin on Saturday?"

"You'll love it. I'll tell you now that I had a decorator, so don't blame me for what you see."

"I hope I can wait until Saturday."

Back at the parking area, Adrian helped Nora into her car.

"Drive carefully, now," he cautioned.

"My drive is only a few minutes, not two hours like yours. You're the one who needs to drive carefully."

"Let's make a deal. We'll both drive carefully."

"Deal," she answered as he kissed her hand in the style of European royalty.

"Until Saturday."

He watched her drive away, then climbed into his Porsche, not looking forward to the two-hour drive.

~~~

The jingle of her cell phone woke Nora. Who would call at 12:34?

"Hello."

"Is this, um, Nora Chen?"

"It is. What's wrong?" She was already trembling.

"This is the Fuller Memorial Hospital. There was a traffic accident, and a paper with your name and number was found on the gentleman who was in one of the cars."

"Oh, God, no. Adrian Cole?"

"Yes, Adrian Cole, I'm afraid."

"Is he okay?" She sounded nearly frantic.

"He's far from okay, but his injuries aren't life-threatening. Broken arm and leg, concussion, a lot of bumps and bruises. Is he an athletic person?"

"Not exactly. He's a writer, and can I see him tonight?"

"He'll be sedated for a while and very uncomfortable when he's not."

"I can take care of him."

"I'm certain he'd like that," the voice said. "He's in room 204. They'll direct you from the front desk."

"Thank you, and I'll be right there."

She dressed quickly, then checked to make sure she'd done it correctly. She ran to the car, ran back to the house and locked the door, then she was off to the hospital. The desk told her to go on up to 204. She tapped lightly on the door.

"Come in," a female voice answered.

"Is this Adrian's room?"

"It is, and you must be Nora. I'm Dr. Chambers."

"How is he?" Nora glanced at the bed, but didn't go closer.

"You can go over," Dr. Chambers said. "He's banged up with a broken arm, broken leg, and concussion. He's sleeping now, and probably tomorrow as well.

"Oh my gosh!" Nora exclaimed, turning to look at the doctor.

Dr. Chambers grinned. "He's scraped and bruised, and I'm sure that if he were awake, he'd be very sore and uncomfortable. But just time and patience will have him as good as new again."

Nora wondered if every important thing in life depended on time and patience.

Dr. Chambers smiled at Nora. "So, you're a good friend of Adrian's?"

With a deep breath, Nora answered, "We're very, very good friends."

"That's nice." She sent Nora a warm smile. Then I imagine you'd like to spend the night here as well."

"If it's allowed, yes, I would."

"No problem. There's a blanket on the shelf, and the chair by the wall over there lies flat if you'd like to sleep. I'm going to guess that you'd like to sit by the bed for a while at least, so let me lower it just a little. Nurses will be coming in from time to time to do some checks. I'll stop by before I leave in the morning." She held out her arms, and they hugged. "Take good care of him."

Dr. Chambers left, and Nora pulled the chair next to the bed and sat down. No matter what the doctor had said, she was terrified. Adrian was unconscious with two casts and all sorts of scrapes on the skin she could see. She took hold of his hand.

"You dork," she said. "I thought I told you to drive carefully. Now you're all messed up, and I'm going to have to take care of you." She kissed his hand. "This is a hard way to take away all of my reservations about us, but the minute I heard those words on my phone, all my doubts disappeared." She kissed his hand again. "Even this hand has a bandage on it." She put her head on the bed and pulled his hand against her cheek.

She must have fallen asleep, as she was suddenly aware of a gentle voice close to her ear.

"Pardon me, ma'am. I hate to disturb you, but I have to do a few checks and give Mr. Cole some medications."

Nora stood and watched. When the nurse seemed finished, she asked, 'Is everything okay?"

"He's doing well, and everything is steady. I just added some pain medication to his IV. I'll be back in a couple of hours."

"I can hardly wait for you to wake up, and I can tell you that not only am I going to see your cabin, I'm going to live there until you're well." She chuckled. Most of her fears had slipped away since the hospital people thought he was fine.

She stood beside the bed, leaning over to get a good view of Adrian. Slowly, she

leaned forward and gently kissed his lips.

"I love you, Adrian, and I think I have for eighteen years, even though I was afraid and wasn't willing to admit it."

She wondered if she'd be able to say that to Adrian when he was awake.

The next day was more of the same, with Nora learning to eat hospital food and striving to get used to seeing the very different arm and leg and the growing purple blotches on his face and arms. Tomorrow would be different if he was awake.

She had settled into the lounger and was trying to concentrate on the TV.

"Hey, Nora, how's our patient doing?"

"Doctor Chambers. The nurses all tell me he's doing fine. Do you think he'll be awake tomorrow?"

"You're really anxious to see that happen, aren't you?" she asked with a big smile.

"I guess it's pretty obvious, isn't it?"

"A little, yeah. I'll be hanging around tomorrow morning to see it happen. We'll cut back on his medications tonight, and that should allow him to wake up. Now," she said as she walked to the bed and gazed down at Adrian. "How long have you known him?"

"Twenty years or a few more."

"That's a long time," she said as she looked over her shoulder, the question on her face obvious.

"We were a couple a long time ago; we broke up, and we ran into each other again.

"Well, that sounds like a Hallmark story, you know," the doctor said with a chuckle.

"I hope so."

"Listen, I'll see you in the morning when we may be able to talk with him."

"I'm hoping for that, too."

Dr. Chambers left the room.

Asleep on her lounger, Nora thought she heard a noise. The clock said it was 6:25, and there was a hint of light outside the window.

Another noise, and she went to the bed. Adrian was trying to move his good arm. She took hold of his hand.

"Who's... that?" he asked, his speech definitely slurred.

"It's Nora," she whispered in his ear.

"Nora?"

"Yes, I'm here with you, and you need to stay still."

"Still?"

"Yes, just lie there, and I'll talk to you. Can you feel me holding your hand?"

"Yes. Are we... going for... a walk?"

"Not just yet."

She decided to go ahead, not sure what the doctor might say.

The nurse appeared.

"Could you find Dr. Chambers? He's waking up."

"I'll get her," he said, and disappeared.

"Adrian, can you hear me and understand me?"

"Yes."

"What's my name?"

"You said you were Nora, so you must be Nora Chen."

"You were in an automobile accident, and you were injured. You're in Memorial Hospital, and I've been staying with you."

"Injured? I don't feel anything."

"They've been giving you medicine. Can you open your eyes?"

Slowly, his eyes opened, and he blinked a couple of times. She leaned over so she was directly in front of his face.

"Nora."

"I'm going to tell you this now, since you're less likely to argue with me, but when they release you from the hospital, I'm going home with you, and I'm going to take care of you until you're much better."

She knew that was more than he could handle, but she'd said it, and she was determined to do it.

"When can... I go home?"

"Not for a day or two," Dr. Chambers said as she came into the room. "But if you're good, we'll make it as quickly as possible." She turned to Nora. "Have you been talking to him, and has he understood you?"

"Yes, I have, and he knows who I am, but he's only been responding for a few minutes."

"I was standing at the door and heard your speech. I doubt that he understood any of it."

"I know, but it did me good to say it."

"I'm sure. Today he should get to talking and arguing that he wants to go home. Tomorrow we'll X-ray and teach him a little about what he can do to heal faster and get back to normal. So, that will have him going home on Saturday." She looked at Nora. "It will be much easier if we send him in an ambulance."

"You're right. I'm sure I'd have a struggle getting him in the house."

What Dr. Chambers predicted would happen, happened. Eventually, Adrian woke up and began talking. He was anxious about his car, and then about going home. Nora repeated her earlier speech, letting him know that he had no choice.

The following day, Saturday, the instructions went well, and it was decided that Adrian could go home. She followed the ambulance since she'd never been to the cabin, and then watched the two men load him into the special wheelchair and take him into the house.

Adrian insisted that they leave him in the chair. After a few words with her, the men left.

"Now, I'm going to see if we can get you on the couch."

"Why did you send the men away? They could have helped you."

"This is you and me, Adrian, and we're going to do these things together. We'll just have to figure out the how as we go." She grinned. "But you're the one who'll be dropped, not me."

"Revenge then, huh. I'm totally at your mercy, and you're going to make the most of it."

She pushed the chair against the couch and locked the wheels. He used his good leg and arm to lift himself and crumpled onto the couch.

"Are you okay?

"Yes, I'm okay now that you're here with me. But this isn't exactly what I wanted for your first visit to the cabin," Adrian said, shaking his head and situating himself as best he could.

"Not the way you expected to have me move in with you, either. Right?"

"Nora, I don't know."

"I do know, my friend, and I will be living here until you're completely recovered, however long that might take."

'It seems backward from where we were, Nora."

"It's bad luck, Adrian, horrible luck. But it's up to us to make something good come from it."

He liked the way she said, up to us. He wanted to be a part of us. But how could he court her or whatever while he was nearly incapacitated? Nora would be almost like a servant.

"Can you be by yourself long enough for me to take a self-guided tour of your cabin, which is quite a misnomer in itself? This is not like any cabin I've ever seen."

"I suppose, but I had to call it something."

"I'll be back in a few."

He watched her walk away, but she wasn't going away. She'd be here with him for who knows how long. When it came time for her to leave, he knew he wouldn't want that to happen. But where was her mind and heart? Ready to stay with him... forever? He remembered her saying that she was fragile. Did that still apply? He sensed that her fragility was much less prominent, and he hoped he was right.

"Wow, Adrian. The interior here is far different from what you'd expect looking at the outside. The outside does hint at a cabin look, but not the inside."

"Do you like it?"

The look on his face told her that it was important that she like it. And that was not a problem. He'd admitted that he'd used a decorator, and that had seemed obvious to her. Adrian had certainly changed, but not into an interior decorator.

"I love it. It's gorgeous, but looks so liveable. That makes it perfect as far as I'm concerned."

"I'm really glad you like it," he said, and his mind was hoping that she'd like it enough to stay forever.

"Are you comfortable there?" He looked a little awkward sitting on the couch.

He grimaced. "Not really. Can you help me get into bed?"

"If I can't, this is going to be a miserable recovery time for you," she said with a laugh. The wheelchair was still pushed up to the couch with the wheels locked.

He put his good arm around her neck and struggled to stand, Nora using all her strength to help him. As he grunted and stood, their cheeks were together. He pivoted slowly, then plopped into the wheelchair, a big smile on his face.

"That was nice," he said, "and you smell delicious."

"I used your bathroom at the hospital to take a shower, and I had a small bottle of cologne in my purse. I was afraid I might be beginning to stink." She laughed.

"Anything but stink, Nora. And I think I'm going to enjoy your helping me in and out of the bed and wheelchair. I'm sure I'll want to do that multiple times each day."

"Remember, I'm in charge by default."

"Would tears help?"

"No, and let's get you into bed."

"Can't wait."

She wheeled him into his room and locked the wheels. With his arm around her neck and hers around his waist, he managed to stand.

"You still smell wonderful."

"Get in the bed, be good, and maybe I'll let you sniff me again later."

"Bribery?"

"Whatever works."

"Listen, sit down and let's talk."

"Sounds serious."

"Nora, I don't know how I can ever thank you for all you've done since that jerk in the truck hit me. But you have to get back to, you know, your regular life. I'll get--"

"You'll get nothing. You're stuck with me until you're healed. Don't say a thing, she added, waving her hand around him. "I've taken a six-month leave of absence, so I'll be here at least that long."

"Nora, that can't be true. Why would you do that?"

"Because I walked into a hospital and found you in a bed, injured and not able to talk to me, and it grabbed my heart... and I kissed you and told you that I loved you." There, she'd said it, and it felt good.

"Wait, what?"

"You heard me, and if you'll hold still, I'll do it again."

She leaned across the bed and kissed an astonished Adrian, then, from inches away, she said, "I love you to the moon and back. I know that's cliché for a writer, but it's the truth."

Wide-eyed, Adrian replied, "I love you too, and do you realize what all the things you've said today mean to me?"

"I can't pretend to read your mind, but I think I know."

"Six months. You're planning to live in this cabin with me for six months?"

"At least."

"For six months and then at least the next fifty years."

"Mmm, that sounds wonderful."

"What happened?"

"Some jerk in a big truck ran into you."

"I don't quite know what to do or say."

"I would think you'd have both of those things covered."

"I think you're right, but..." He looked at his two casts.

Nora smiled. "Did Dr. Chambers warn you about doing anything sexual?"

Almost instantly, Adrian felt his body react.

"Nora, what are you thinking?"

"Well, the good part is not in the cast, and this isn't our first rodeo together," she added with a chuckle.

"You're full of clichés today, but I love them."

Nora jumped onto the bed with him, snuggling up to his left side, which was free of casts.

"You're not thinking of anything special, are you?" he asked, not sure if he really meant it.

"Well, the two of us are here in bed together, aren't we? What could possibly happen?" She glanced at the leg of his pajamas. "Oh, I see it's already happening."

"Nora, despite telling myself not to, there were so many times that this happened over the last eighteen years when I thought of you."

"How did you think of me, Adrian? Dressed, like I am now, or were there other thoughts?"

"You're going to torture me, aren't you? Is this payback?"

"Payback doesn't accomplish anything. And this isn't exactly paying it forward, but it's a hint about what might happen in the future, say six months in the future, when the casts are removed."

He just looked at her, working to comprehend how much things had changed in the last few minutes.

She wanted to do some looking as well, and spread the fly of his pajamas.

"Lookie there, a former friend," she said as his erection popped out through the opening.

"There's no way I'm going to tell you to stop, but I hope I won't regret it tomorrow."

"Listen, just to be safe, I think I should call Dr. Chambers. "

"Don't be silly. I'll be fine." He was obviously anxious for her to pick up where he'd left off.

But Nora slid off the bed and pulled her cellphone from her pocket.

"Nora, don't you dare."

"You're in no position to stop me."

She fiddled with the phone for a moment, then put it to her ear.

Dr. Chambers, I can't believe how fortunate I am to have gotten hold of you. This is Nora Chen. You too, and yes, he's doing well, but I have a question."

"Nora, will you please hang up?"

"I'm sorry, Dr. Chambers. He's a little embarrassed by the question I'm about to ask. Yes, it's sort of about his health. Would any sort of sexual experience be harmful for Adrian so soon after the accident? Oh. Really. Thank you for the information. Yes, bye now."

"I liked Dr. Chambers," he said with a groan. "Now I'll never be able to face her. Anyway, what did she say?"

"She said the more sex we have, the better."

"Really? Wait a second." He grabbed her phone. "There's no call here to Dr. Chambers."

"I wonder who I was talking to then?"

"No matter. I like their advice. "

Nora pulled off her sweater, then tossed her bra aside.

"Look, it's growing again."

This time, she surrounded it with her hand, smiling at Adrian's groan.

"How long would it take, Adrian?" she asked, her hand beginning to move.

"I'm willing to find out."

As she leaned closer, his left hand found her right breast and nipple.

"It's missed your touch, babe. The other one has, too."

"I only have one good hand."

"Well, I have two," she said, slipping the other one inside his pajamas and cradling his balls, the first hand moving faster and faster.

She wasn't surprised when long creamy strands of cum arched through the air onto his stomach and finally covered her hand. She didn't stop until he begged her to.

"Nora, this has been a helluva day," he gasped.

"Let me get a towel," she said, "before I sit on your face."

"Is that a promise?"

"If we're together again, everything we say to each other has to be the truth, right?"

She returned quickly with a towel and did the best she could to clean him up. "Tomorrow morning, we'll give you a little bath."

She pulled her slacks and panties off.

"First time I've been naked with a man in eighteen years."

She lifted her leg to straddle him and lowered his pussy against his face.

"A familiar aroma even after all these years."

Adrian's tongue flicked once, then twice, and eighteen years of missing this welled up inside of Nora. More fantastic flicks from that tongue, and she didn't know she could come so quickly as her body began the spasms that had been missing for so long.

"Oh... oh... oh,' she cried with each spasm, her eyes closed and her body vibrating. It was a miracle that she had never expected to happen, but it was happening, and the ecstasy that overwhelmed her body and mind left her nearly numb.

Adrian's tongue continued what it was doing until she rolled away and collapsed next to him.

"I would say that fragility is no longer in the picture," he finally said.

"I think we've each spent eighteen years loving each other but being apart. And that's a tragedy."

And it's my fault, but I will make it up to you somehow."

"That's all long past, Adrian; we have now and the future."

"Let me pull those pajamas off, so we'll both be naked. In the morning, I'll cook some bacon and eggs, and we can decide what to do after that."

She pulled his pajama bottoms off. The tops were special, as one arm had been removed because of the cast, but it came off, too. Naked, they cuddled together as best they could and were soon asleep.

~~~

Nora's kiss awakened him.

"You're not concerned about morning mouth?" he asked with a chuckle.

"Do I act like I'm concerned?"

"Well, I guess not."

"Let's get you up and go downstairs, and I'll rustle up some breakfast."

"Let's really call Dr. Chambers today and find out when I can start walking."

"I'll do that, but I don't think you're going to like the answer."

"I'm willing to find out."

"Let me fix breakfast, and then I'll call."

Waffles with real butter and maple syrup, some breakfast sausage, and hot coffee provided a delicious breakfast for both of them. After the dishes were in the dishwasher, Nora called the number Dr. Chambers had given them. Amazingly, she answered. Nora put the phone on speaker.

"Hello."

"Hello, Dr. Chambers. This is Nora Chen."

"Nora. How is the man doing? Grumpy and complaining?"

"It's not too bad, and you're on speaker."

"Hello, Adrian."

"I'm looking for some good news."

"Such as?"

"When can I begin walking?"

Nora thought she heard an almost silent chuckle.

"You're thinking three, four, maybe five days?"

"I'm hoping that, yes."

"How about six or eight weeks?"

"You're kidding."

"I'm not, but they're calling me, so I'll call you back later with a suggestion. Bye-bye."

"Six to eight weeks? If that's true, Nora, you'll qualify for power lifting competitions."

"So, what are we going to do all day?" She asked, then wished she hadn't. "We have lots of time for that stuff."

"I kind of hoped I could show you the rest of the property."

"Could we use the wheelchair?"

"Hiking boots and a machete would be more appropriate. With all of my deadlines, I don't get out there as much as I'd like to."

"That surprises me. I thought a famous author like you could do as you like."

"They like to keep the profits flowing, so I have deadlines." He laughed. "I don't always meet them, but my agent reminds me when I'm late with fits of screaming and threats."

"Show me where you write."

"You saw it when you wandered around."

"But not with the author in place."

They went to the office, and Nora sat in the chair where Adrian usually sat to do his writing.

She looked at him and smiled. "You'll dictate, and I'll type the story. I can hardly wait to do that, Adrian; to be a part of the creation of one of your novels is exciting."

"It'll be different, but I think it will be fun."

Nora's phone rang.

"Hi, Dr. Chambers. You're on speaker again."

"Just real quickly, you might try crutches or a walker to help Adrian move around. With both casts on his right side, it won't be easy, but he might be able to master it. Let me know how it goes. Sorry, I have to run."

Nora laid the phone on the table.

"So, do you want to go with me or stay here?"

"You go ahead; I have something to take care of."

Nora dressed, then headed off to town, wondering exactly what it was that Adrian needed to take care of. The pharmacy had both crutches and the walker, and after paying with Adrian's credit card, she headed back to the cabin.

"I checked with Siri and received hints about using both crutches and a walker. Also, two men will be here this afternoon to build a ramp."

"Wow, you've been busy."

"And every second you were gone, I could hardly wait for you to get home."

"Home?"

"Yes, home. Nora, I love you, and I never want to be away from you again."

Nora looked around. I've always had a place to live, but I've never really had a home. If we live here, do you think there's room for one or two more?"

"If not, we'll make room."

Their kiss was instantly passionate, tongues dancing, lips and even teeth involved. Nora helped him slide out of the chair onto the floor, and his pajama bottoms were quickly off.

"Oh, that thing grows pretty quickly, doesn't it?" she said with a little giggle.

"You know what I want, and I'll let you figure it out."

Nora decided immediately that there wasn't much to figure out. Adrian was on his back, his erection pointed straight at her, and she simply straddled him and lowered herself slowly, one hand directing that hot and throbbing tool to where she wanted it to be. It was a feeling that she had missed for eighteen years, and she closed her eyes as it slid completely home.

"Ten seconds of this is better than writing a dozen bestsellers," he groaned. "You can stay still like this for the rest of the day, or you can move. It's your choice."

She wanted to move even as she had forgotten about the men who would be there to build the ramp. She raised herself until she was completely free of his cock, then let it enter her again.

"Just like the first time," she murmured.

"Better, so much better," he answered.

She began moving up and down, something she'd never done before, and treasured every sound he was making.

"Are you gonna come for me, Babe?" she whispered as she put her hands on his chest for support.

"In about ten seconds," he answered, breathing hard.

When his spasms began, she stilled, caught up in the feeling of him coming inside of her, and the enthralling sounds that accompanied it. When the sounds ended, and his eyes opened, she leaned forward and kissed him.

"That was simpler than I'd expected."

"Nora, I loved that kiss, but lean forward a little more, and I'll have something else to kiss."

She leaned forward and felt his lips close on her breast, his tongue teasing her nipple, which responded as she knew it would. He continued until she felt his teeth closing on that very sensitive part of her body. Her instinct was to say something, but somehow the feeling of near pain, with Adrian having complete control, had her blood heating and her breathing labored.

"Use your left hand," she gasped.

"What?"

"Your left hand." She rocked her hips to give him a hint.

She gasped again. He'd understood, and it felt wonderful. He'd nibble for ten seconds, then rub for ten, repeating that several times. Finally, the nibbling got shorter and the rubbing longer until she felt it happening. Thank goodness he'd let go of her nipple or bad things might have happened. Her squeals were loud, her spasms intense, and when they ended, she collapsed on his chest.

"Thanks for picking up the crutches and the walker."

She raised her head and looked at him. "Is that all you have to say?"

"Well, making love with you is like nothing I've ever done before, even though we've done it before. But this was so very, very different."

"This was different," she repeated, her eyes holding his.

"Well, help me stand, and I'll see if I can do anything with the crutches. On second thought, help me get into the chair until I catch my breath."

She chuckled and did just that.

Eighteen years it had been. She had tried something else, but that hadn't worked at all. But she was here with Adrian, and everything within her told her the rest of their lives together would be full of love and caring. What would have happened had they married all those years ago? She'd never have an answer to that question, and didn't need one. She had what she'd always wanted, and would cherish every day of their lives together.

~~~

EPILOG

Adrian had never been athletic or overly coordinated, so the crutches and the walker were a struggle for him despite Nora's very patient assistance. He did manage to get along a little on the crutches, but the walker was hopeless due to his injuries being to his right arm and leg. The walker continually tipped to the right, so they finally discarded all effort in that direction.

The new book was begun, and as she expected, typing it while Adrian dictated was fascinating. She even had a few suggestions, several of which he accepted with thanks. The prior book had been published, and his agent was adamant about his going to book signings, which Adrian refused to do until his injuries had healed. With Nora's help and encouragement, he didn't hesitate to stand up to Samuel, even to the point of hanging up when Samuel seemed unreasonable.

Of course, the proposal and the wedding were accomplished while he was still in his casts, and many of the attendees were surprised to find he was injured and anxious to meet his bride, although a few had known her those many years ago. Adrian invited his parents, who ignored the invitation, of course.

Nora did a good job of hiding the baby bump at the wedding, even though a few of the guests knew that she was pregnant. Neither of them had wanted to ignore that clock ticking away in their heads, and Daniel Chen Cole was born about five months after the wedding.

Adrian was out of his cast and wanted to take time away from writing to travel, but Nora wanted to stay home and get Daniel off to a good start. She'd tried to resign from her job, but her boss had forbidden it. He'd made several proposals, all of which allowed her to work from home. She loved what she did, so she'd finally agreed, and everything was going well at the cabin.

The sex was still passionate and very satisfying, and produced Laura Chen Cole, two being the number they'd decided on. Adrian had finished the book they'd worked on together, and, surprisingly, it was an even bigger bestseller, detailing the story of their romance.

The house had several boxes of the new book, and she selected one and asked him to sign it as a remembrance of that first book signing those several years ago that had created all of what had happened since.