Lessons from the Heart

Chapter One

David Carlson glanced at his mirrors, signaled then pulled over into the turn lane. Disappointment rode his shoulders. He needed a big story. He was so close to gaining a position among the top echelon of reporters at The Herald, and now the rumor about graft in the city’s transportation department he’d been investigating had fizzled into nothing but a disgruntled employee trying to get his boss in trouble.

David frowned and made the right turn onto Monroe Street. He was feeling a little disgruntled himself. One thing was sure, he wouldn’t find his big story this afternoon. At least not until he cleared away this minor one. He scanned the buildings on the right, looking for numbers—1422…1424… Ah! There it was.

David flipped on his blinker, pulled into the parking lot of the Westwood Literacy Center then glanced at his watch. Five minutes early. Perfect. Okay, Professor Stiles, let’s get this over with!

Erin Kelly hurried down the hallway, crossed the entrance and stuck her head around the open office door. You wanted to see me, Professor?

Yes, yes. Come in, Erin, I’ll just be a minute. The elderly man rummaged through a towering stack of papers on his desk, scowled then ran his hand through his thinning gray hair. I had it here yesterday….

He thumbed his way through another pile. I don’t know why I can never find—

Erin hooted. He scowled up at her. Are you laughing at me, young lady?

Not at all. She gave him a cheeky grin. I’m laughing at your expectations.

Humph!

The snort was one of fond affection. Erin’s grin widened. She gestured toward the litter of books, magazines and miscellaneous folders and papers that covered the large desk. Do you really expect to find a specific item in that mess?

I do.

She took a brave step forward. Then perhaps if you tell me what you’re searching for, I could help.

"I don’t need any help! That’s what’s wrong. The professor directed a baleful look toward his secretary in the entrance room and raised his voice. That woman was in here straightening up again. She can’t leave anything alone."

"I only threw away things that were growing."

The words floated in over Erin’s shoulder. She laughed and turned toward the door. Good one, Alice!

The secretary grinned at her, then faced the other way as the outer door opened.

Erin shifted her gaze. A tall, broad-shouldered, gorgeous man entered. He looked vaguely familiar. She searched through the files of memories in her head as she watched him walk over to Alice.

Good afternoon. I’m David Carlson. I have an appointment with Professor Robert Stiles.

The sound of his voice did it. Recognition dawned. David Carlson appeared occasionally on Channel Four News. What was he—?

Hah! I’ve got it! One o’clock!

Erin turned back to find the professor waving a scrap of paper through the air like a flag of triumph.

That’s what I thought, just couldn’t remember for sure. The professor ducked his head and squinted at her over the top of his glasses. Some newshound called the other day. He wants to interview me about—

Someone cleared their throat behind her. The professor stopped speaking and shifted his gaze to a point above and beyond her head. His gray eyebrows drew together. Who are you?

The newshound.

There was a trace of amusement in the deep voice. Erin stole a sidelong glance as David Carlson stepped up beside her and extended his hand over the desk.

"I hope I’m not interrupting anything important. Your secretary told me to come in. I’m David Carlson of The Herald, Professor Stiles. It’s good to make your acquaintance."

Humph. Too early to know that. Her boss waved an age-spotted hand in her direction. This is my program coordinator, Erin Kelly.

David Carlson swung his handsome, impeccably groomed head her way. She looked up into his intelligent, alert, gray-blue eyes and the oddest sensation hit her. Everything inside her went still. It was as if time stopped.

She’ll be answering your questions.

The professor’s voice started time moving forward again. Erin gave herself a mental shake and drew in a breath of air. Hello, Mr. Carlson. She smiled and extended her hand. It was swallowed by his larger one. Warmth telegraphed itself up her arm. She glanced at their joined hands, shocked by the feeling.

A pleasure, Ms. Kelly.

A manila folder smacked down on the only clean spot on the desk. Erin jumped, withdrew her hand from the encompassing warmth and focused her fragmented attention as Professor Stiles fastened a keen-eyed look on David Carlson.

Erin knows as much about the grant as I do, young man, and she’s better at tolerating questions about our operation. He slapped his hand down on the folder. This is a copy of the grant for reference—I don’t want any misquotes. He looked at her.

You can tell him about the center, Erin.

But—?

A wave of her boss’s hand cut her off. I’ve no time to discuss the matter, I’m already late for another appointment. I’ll talk with you later. He grabbed up his suit jacket and rushed from the room.

Erin could have cheerfully shaken him. The least he could have done was warn her! She snatched up the folder, clasped it to her chest and turned around. Well, Mr. Carlson, it looks as if you’re stuck with me for your interview. I’ll do my best to answer your questions, but—as you’ve probably guessed—I’m surprised by this assignment and therefore ill-prepared.

That makes two of us that are surprised, Ms. Kelly. David Carlson’s gaze lowered to her hands holding the file.

Erin’s breath caught. He was checking for a ring. A Romeo? Her caution reflexes snapped into high gear.

His gaze lifted back up to meet hers and he smiled. And, speaking for myself, very pleasantly surprised. I’ll take dining with a lovely young lady rather than an irascible old man every time.

Smooth, Mr. Carlson, very smooth—but then practice makes perfect. Disappointment filtered through the remnant of that odd stillness. Dining?

David Carlson’s smile spread into a slow grin. It’s a luncheon appointment.

David felt like he’d taken a hard right to the stomach. The punch had landed when he’d first looked down into Erin Kelly’s big, dark-green eyes, and it left him taut-muscled and breathless.

David frowned, motioned to the busy hostess and, at her nod, guided Erin to his favorite table at Carlo’s Villa. He’d been looking forward to a plate of chicken marsala—now he wasn’t sure he could eat. His appetite was gone. All he really wanted was to run his fingers through the smooth, thick mass of hair framing Erin Kelly’s lovely face. Her hair was the deep red-brown color of the chili powder in his kitchen cupboard.

Thank you. Erin smiled up at him and slid onto the chair he held for her.

David’s fingers tightened on the top rail. Her smile had the same effect as her beautiful eyes. He nodded, cleared his throat and went to take his own seat.

Good afternoon, Mr. Carlson. The server placed a glass of ice water trimmed with twin slices of lemon and lime in front of each of them, then laid dark-blue menus edged with gold on the burgundy-and-gray striped tablecloth. Would you care for something to drink while you decide on your meals? Perhaps a light wine?

Erin?

No, thank you. The water is fine for me.

David gave a mental whew! He was close to punch drunk from looking at her. He didn’t need alcohol. I’ll have a lemonade.

Very good, sir. I’ll be back with it shortly.

David glanced at his menu, then pushed it aside and feasted on the sight of Erin studying hers. She lifted her head and caught him watching her. Her eyes clouded. So she was wary of being interviewed.

Have you decided?

Her hair shimmered in the light streaming through the window as she nodded. She looked down and closed her menu. When she looked up, the shadow in her eyes was gone. I’ll have antipasto…and bread sticks. She gave a rueful smile. I can’t resist their bread sticks.

David grinned. I know what you mean. He leaned back against his chair and set himself to put her at ease. So, Erin Kelly, what part of Ireland are your ancestors from?

She gave a little shrug. I don’t know. That information was never passed on. She smiled and reached for her glass. I have a suspicion the earliest Kelly to reach America’s shores didn’t want that knowledge made public.

Aha! Skeletons! David rubbed his hands together.

Erin laughed. Careful. Your reporter radar is showing. She took a swallow of water and put her glass down. What about you? Where do your people come from?

I have no idea. I’m just glad they had the good sense to come here.

Amen to that.

She sounded sincere and utterly natural. Was she religious? David’s smile faded. It was the first flat note struck since he’d met her.

Your lemonade, Mr. Carlson. The server placed it in front of him, then gathered the menus under his arm. And your order?

David glanced at Erin. She nodded. He looked back at the server. We’ll have the antipasto tray with choice of dressings on the side. Bread sticks— he smiled —double up on the bread sticks. And minestrone for me. Erin? She held up her hand with the thumb and forefinger only an inch or so apart. He nodded. Make that two minestrones—one large, one small.

Very good, sir. The server hurried away.

David took a swallow of his drink, then put down his glass and leaned forward. Professor Stiles seems like quite a character. Do you enjoy working with him? Her face warmed. It was the only way he could describe it. He knew before she spoke she admired Robert Stiles.

Yes, I do. Very much. I know he seems rather a cliché character—you know, rough exterior, heart of gold—but in his case it’s absolutely true. He started the center, and he fights like a lion when anyone threatens to stop funding the literacy program. Our slogan is When You Open A Book, You Open The World. That’s why this grant is so important. You have no idea how many adults there are who cannot read or write—or do so at a minimal level.

She looked fully into his eyes, and for a moment he lost the thread of the conversation.

"—and when a person can read and write their possibilities are endless. At the center we see these adults go from hopeless to hopeful. Suddenly she stopped. I’m sorry, Mr. Carlson. I didn’t mean to make a speech."

David put on a mock frown. That’s David, remember? We agreed on that earlier. But, to get back to the point—please don’t apologize. I like people who are passionate about the things they believe in. He gave her his most charming smile. I think there’s a little of the lion in you, too, when it comes to the literacy program.

Perhaps so. It’s very important to me.

David stared at her, taken aback by the quiet acknowledgment. He wasn’t accustomed to having his openings for a little flirting ignored. He took another tack. Professor Stiles said you were the program coordinator. I’m not familiar with the way the program is set up. Is that a paid position?

It will be starting in July—thanks to the grant. At the moment no one in the program is salaried. It’s all volunteer. Our funds have been used only for needed teaching supplies.

What about rent?

Professor Stiles owns the building we use and he doesn’t take a dime for rent. He even pays the taxes out of his own pocket. Affection warmed her smile. I told you he has a heart of gold.

Or a comfortable tax writeoff. That would have to be investigated. David took another swallow of lemonade, then leaned back out of the way while the server returned and placed their food on the table. When the man left, David laid his napkin over his leg, filled his plate from the antipasto tray and drizzled dressing over it. I know Professor Stiles works at the university, but what about you, Erin? Since you’ve been volunteering all your time and talent, you must be one of the idle rich.

Her laughter sounded like music.

I’m afraid not. She looked up from fixing her plate. I’ve only been able to volunteer at Westwood a few evenings a week. But that will all change now. School will be out in three weeks, and I’ll begin full-time work at the center.

School? David lifted the wicker basket, folded back the napkin and held the basket out to Erin. You’re a teacher?

She nodded, took a bread stick and broke it in half before putting it on her bread plate. I teach kindergarten at Living Hope Christian School.

The moment turned sour—not to mention his stomach. I’m sure that’s very rewarding. It was a lame response, but it was the best he could dredge up.

Yes, it is. She gave him a long, measuring look, then bowed her head.

She was saying grace! David resisted the urge to get up and walk away. He set the basket down, sliced off a bite of prosciutto, stabbed it with his fork, then added a sliver of green pepper and began to eat.

Erin lifted her head and their gazes met. David ignored the reactive quickening of his pulse and turned all business. He wanted to wrap up this interview, say goodbye and bolt out the door. It was a good thing she had insisted on driving her own car—they could go their separate ways when the meal was over. I think I’ll find enough general information about the center in the brochure you gave me, Erin. Why don’t you tell me about the grant.

Erin opened her car door, then turned and swept her gaze over the stucco and beam exterior of Carlo’s Villa. She wasn’t used to eating leisurely business lunches in fancy restaurants—she belonged to the grab a sandwich and get back to work crowd. And that’s exactly what she needed to do—get back to work.

Erin slid into the driver’s seat, secured her seatbelt, switched on the ignition and looked in the rearview mirror. A man and woman, standing beside a car in the row directly behind her, were locked in a passionate kiss. The man ran his hand over the woman’s body, pressing her close against him.

Erin jerked her gaze away, shifted into Reverse and looked over her shoulder as she backed out. The man stopped whatever he was doing to the woman’s neck and lifted his head to glance toward the moving vehicle.

Jerry!

Erin gasped. Of its own volition, her foot jammed on the brakes and the car jolted to a stop. The woman turned her head to look. Dr. Swan’s new receptionist!

Erin’s stomach knotted. She whipped around to face front, locking her gaze on the mirror. Jerry mouthed something to the young woman, and they resumed their embrace with increased ardor. Erin swallowed back a surge of nausea, shifted gears and drove away. All thought of her pleasant lunch disappeared as a wave of anger washed over her at seeing her sister’s live-in boyfriend with another woman.

Chapter Two

"You were off your game big-time tonight, Dave. The ‘Tiger’ didn’t show up, you were more like a pussycat."

David yanked the towel from around his neck, scrubbed it over his still damp hair and glanced at Ted. Is that right?

It sure is. Ted jammed his own towel in his duffel bag. Your concentration was way off. What’s up?

Nothing. I just had a bad night.

Yeah, right. That excuse might work for mere mortals, but you, my friend— David braced himself for the solid thump that hit his shoulder —you need a better reason. Anything I can help with?

Nope. David pulled his T-shirt on and stuffed it into his jeans. "Not unless