"Too Tall, Too Dark, Too Handsome"chap 7

Chapter 7


The car ride back to the hospital was one taken in complete silence, silence that had not been broken since they'd given their orders of what to eat. Since then, Kent hadn't looked at her, he'd simply been polite holding doors for her, and then driving back to the hospital. As soon as the car was parked, she hopped out saving him the trouble of holding yet another door. "Thank you for dinner." she said quietly, then stalked toward her car.
"Wait, Shea!" his voice echoed in the parking garage.
She turned on her heel hoping to get an explanation for his silence, yet all he did was extend her purse toward her. "Thank you." she replied, and turned once more.
"Wait, Shea, I can't let it end like this. What's going on? Why are you so scared when I touch you?" his words echoed even in their softness, and her heart stopped.
Once more she turned toward him, saw the hurt in his eyes and she couldn't hold onto her heart any longer. Slowly, she walked to him and let herself grip his hand. "It's not you, it's men in general." The words were hollow, she was dettached from all emotion.
His hand cupped her chin, "What happened to make you afraid of men, Shea?" His eyes held intense emotion, anger mixed with something unidentifiable.
Closing her eyes so she wouldn't think about what she saw in his eyes she sighed, "My ex-boyfriend. My father. You name a male figure in my life, and they've touched me inappropriately."
"Inappropriately? Shea..."
When she opened her eyes and forced herself to meet his gaze, his eyes were blazing. What had she done? "That's not even the worst of it. He killed my daughter, Kent." No longer hollow, her voice was now thick with tears as he pulled her close embracing her, which for the first time in years did not make her breathing stop.
"Who? Who, Shea? I'll kill him with my bare hands." his words rumbled, and it made her catch her breath. He was serious.
"Rick Harley."
--
The name made his insides burn, the man had hurt Shea. More than her, he'd killed a child. A child that bore Shea's features he was sure, one that could've been his. Holding her closer to him, he couldn't help the protective feeling flowing through him, nor the anger that pushed to the surface. He needed to get control of himself before she got scared of him again. What could he do though?
"What happened to him?" he asked slowly, hoping beyond hope that the man had been put out of his misery or incarcerated.
"No one knows." her tears were more than he could handle.
Reaching beyond his own anger, he wiped her tears slowly and kissed her cheek. "Shea, if that man were around right now .... I can't stand the thought of anyone mistreating you, or your daughter."
"Well, that's what happened. Now if you'll excuse me, I should get home." she whispered, tugging out of his embrace and backpeddling toward her car.
"Can I see you tomorrow?" he asked to her back.
He saw her head nod, as she climbed into her car.
Sighing, he watched as she drove away. She had just taken his heart with her.
--
Rick looked around the apartment, kicking the cat as he went. Why did Shea have so much garbage around this house? A large picture of their daughter hung over the couch, the cat crowded his walking space, and even worse books. Piles and piles of books. What was the woman, trying to make a library all her own? The sound of a car pulling into the garage alerted him it was time to spring into action if he was going to. Yet, he looked around. No, not tonight, it was not worth it. He looked at people milling down the street and sighed. This was going to be a complicated escape. Opening the front door quietly, he slid off the side of the porch and crept out into the darkness. He'd attack another night. Tonight, he'd let Shea enjoy what she thought was her safe home.

"Too Tall, Too Dark, Too Handsome?" chap 6

Chapter 6


As the weeks passed, Shea found herself sitting in the Neonatal nursery everyday. Giving Lilly all of the attention that she possibly could, and trying to ignore Kent Pharrell, which proved to not work. Everytime she looked up, he was there, eyes soft, luring her into them and losing her there in their depth. And now, if that wasn't bad enough, she was thinking about him. Thinking about his eyes and their effect on her, and how he walked into the room and her head turned automatically.
"Deep in thought?" the deep voice jolted her and she nearly fell out of the rocking chair.
With a sharp intake of breath, she turned and smacked him, "That's for nearly giving me a heart attack."
He chuckled, "I'm sorry, I can make it up to you."
Blinking, she narrowed her eyes, "How can you do that?"
"I'll take you to lunch." he stuttered over his words, proving he must be as nervous as she was herself. Standing there before her, arms stuffed in his pockets, looking quite like a five-year-old begging not to get into trouble with mom.
With a deep sigh she nodded, "Sure, let me get Lilly settled first." Slowly, she set Lilly in the incubator and pressed a kiss to her tiny fingers.
"You look so natural with her." whispered Kent, his voice soft.
She found herself staring into his dark eyes, her breath taken by him. "She's not the first baby I've ever cared for." was her reply, even though she'd done her best to keep the words inside her.
"Oh yeah?" his eyes were piercing hers with the startling realization that he somehow knew that already. He extended his hand toward her, and she took it.
Instead of harping on what she'd said, Kent lead her to his car and drove toward the small diner on the edge of town. It's charm was hardly lost on Shea, she'd only heard of Vincenzo's.
"Gonna' get out or shall we sit here admiring the facade?" he smiled, eyes shining as he opened his door.
"I suppose we should, they may get a bit suspicious if we just sit out here." she replied as he opened her door for her and helped her out of the car.
Together they walked into the diner, once they were seated, Kent stared across the table at her, "What looks good?"
She smiled and inhaled, "Just about everything, including the man I'm sitting with."
--
Kent felt his cheeks heat with a blush at her words, when had Shea turned into a flirt? Had he blinked his eyes for too long? Just as he was about to reply, the waitress stepped up to their table asking for their drink orders. "I'll have an iced tea," he choked out, running his finger between the collar of his shirt and his neck.
"I'll have the same." Shea whispered, her eyes lowering as she reguarded the menu instead of Kent. Was it possible she hadn't meant to say that?
Once the waitress had left the table, he reached his hand out across the table and touched her hand. "Shea?"
She startled, her eyes widened with fear and she tugged her hand back.
His eyebrow furrowed of it's own valition, was she afraid of him? What had just happened? He looked at the contrast of her skin and his. What exactly was happening here? Instead of asking the question he simply set his hands in his lap and focused on his menu. Had he read the signs all wrong? Was she just being nice to him for the sake of his care of her niece? Or had he just startled her. Thinking about it made his head ache, as well as his heart. So instead, he ordered his food and focused on getting out with his heart in tact.
--
Rick Harley shoved the tree out of the way, peering into the dimmed lighting of the diner. The tip he'd been given had been correct! Shea O'Malley was seeing someone, a doctor at that, one he hated the moment he'd seen him. She knew exactly what she was doing, too. Shea O'Malley was his woman, not some doctor from the "big city" who swept in and left with the woman's heart under his feet. Eyes narrowing, he vowed right then to make sure that Shea was never with another man beside him. She was his to deal with, to dispense of or whatever it was he decided to do. Luckily, in the past she'd stuck with that. Apparently now she'd forgotten. He was the one to remind her.

"Too Tall, Too Dark, Too Handsome" chap 5

Chapter 5


It had been a long night, mused Shea from her place at the nursery window. Sometime around three in the morning Kent had returned asking if she'd like to hold her newborn niece, and she hadn't but the baby down since that time. Now the sky was turning colors, the sun bringing the promise of another day while Shea's heart felt real joy for the first time in months. This tiny baby was her second chance.

"Well, I didn't realize you'd be holding her for hours." the hushed voice of Kent Pharrell made the hairs on her neck stand on end.

"I couldn't put her down." she replied, turning to face him, which proved to be yet another mistake. His eyes, a deep chocolate color were soft, and they begged to see the little one she held close to her chest. Could it be that he'd built a bond with her niece?

"I know the feeling." he smiled, eyes glimmering as he crossed his arms over his chest.
She couldn't resist anymore, the thoughts of the combination of big, handsome man with tiny, adorable baby too much. "Would you like to hold her?"

He nodded, unfolding his long arms and taking the baby cradling her against his chest gently. "She's going to need a name you know." he whispered, never taking his eyes off of the newborn, beholding her as the gift she was.

Shea sighed, "I know, I've been thinking about it, but nothing seems right." She spoke around the lump in her throat, he was far too much for her to deal with.

"What about Lilly?" he asked, eyes finding hers.

Her breath caught in her chest, and she fidgeted with the blanket she had on her shoulder. "Lilly is beautiful." she whispered, standing and looking down at her new charge.

"Yes, she is," answered Kent, his smile growing then slowly disappearing as he looked into her eyes once more. "So is her aunt."

Cheeks burning, Shea fought to tear her gaze from his, what was she doing? Slowly her gaze reached his again, "Thank you."

"For what? The truth?" he chuckled and set Lilly back into the incubator.

"That and taking care of Lilly. You're a sweet man."

"Sweet? Not good-looking, charming, handsome?" he smiled wide, tugging on one of Shea's curls.
"Well, of course those too, to an incredible extent..but...oh my look at the time!" she smacked a hand over her mouth. What had she just said aloud? Lilly would be fine until she could get something to eat and maybe some sleep, then she'd be back.

"Shea! Don't leave." he called, running after her. She was almost to the elevator when he grasped her arm and pulled her back. He always had a habit of catching her at her worst, and now he had her. She just hoped that she could get away without letting him have her heart as well.

"I've got to leave, Kent, I've got to keep my heart in tact. You don't understand." she gushed, tugging away from him and wishing she could disappear.

"Make me understand, Shea. Make me understand, why you think I'll break your heart. We're just friends, for now. Remember? Tell me. What's wrong?" his eyes burned into her's, and for once she actually felt like she had a real friend in the world.

"Maybe another day, Kent, I've got too much going on right now. I'll be back in a few hours to visit Lilly. See you around." With that, she tugged her arm out of his grasp and slammed her hand against the elevator button. It showed up with some speed and she escaped leaving him standing there alone in the hall. Somehow she needed to either get with the program and offer her heart and her story, or she had to play it safe. Either way seemed painful to her.

--

After a long day of wondering about Shea, and caring for thirty babies in the Neonatal unit, Kent left the hospital for his mother's house. Even after nearly thirty years of life, he was still held to the Saturday night dinner at his mom's. As was his sister and her family, but still he liked to complain. It wasn't too far from the hospital to his mother's small home, so he parked the car within minutes and crossed the street. Soon he was being swept inside, his nephews clinging to his legs and his mother yelling at him. Life was always the same there, nothing different except his heart was heavy for the woman who'd left the hospital earlier. He really couldn't enjoy the dinner, nor the time with his family because she continuously was running through his mind. Along with her precious niece.

"Earth to Kentavious..you alive man?" his brother-in-law Rick sat beside him on the couch, and handed him a cup of coffee.

Kent nodded, "Yeah, I suppose, if I have to be."

Rick laughed, "So what's her name?"

Swallowing hard, he looked at his brother-in-law, what was he wearing a sign that said he was tripped up by a chick? "How'd you know?"

"You've got that 'she-got-me-tripping-over-my-own-heart" look, I know it all too well." Rick grinned, winking at Yvonne as she passed.

"Truth," Kent nodded, "Her name is Shea, she's incredible, although she's kind of down on herself for some reason. I don't know, I guess I really don't know much about her. But, one look at her and I'm head over heels. I don't understand it..."

Rick chuckled, "Of course you don't, man, nobody does. It's called love, it makes the world go 'round."

"You're sounding like an after-school special." muttered Kent.

"Maybe so, but he's right." Yvonne sat on the arm of the couch wrapping her arms around her husband.

Kent sighed, seemed he wasn't going to get very far with his wishing he wasn't attracted to Shea. Somehow he needed to figure out what to do with her.

"Aw! Look at him, he's adorable, all in love." Yvonne giggled to her husband, touching Kent's cheek.

He groaned, "Please, I hardly know her, Vonne."

"Maybe not, but from the look on your face, I'd say you're going to stop at nothing until you do know her." his sister grinned.

Kent nodded, he couldn't contend that point. For once in his life, he didn't feel like putting his sister's head in the toilet and flushing it. She was dead on, and from what they said it was perfectly normal. Now if only he could get to know Shea without her pulling away again. Driving toward home he sighed, he'd figure it out in the morning. For now, he was ready to drop.

"Too Tall, Too Dark, Too Handsome" chap 4

Chapter 4


Darkness stole over her bedroom quickly tonight, it was much like every other night only she felt heavier somehow. What was going on? Her stomach seemed twisted in knots, and her heart thudded against her ribcage. The feeling that something was amiss washed over her like a tidal wave. Just as she lay in her bed, the phone began to ring. Taking a deep breath, Shea lay her hand on the phone and picked it up quickly so that she wouldn't be able to chicken out. "Hello?"

"Is this Ms. O'Shea McMalley?" the female voice on the other side of the phone made Shea sit up and take notice. She had no idea who the woman was.

"Yes, this is her."

"Miss McMalley we have you listed as the next of kin for a Miss Elizabeth McMalley. There's been a terrible accident, if you could get to the hospital as soon as possible it'd be most appreciated."

The woman's words made Shea shiver. Elizabeth was her sister. What had happened? Before she could ask, the phone clicked with news of the other party hanging up. Burying her face in her hands, Shea got out of bed and dressed quickly. With everything her head begged her to stay here, save her heart the trouble of caring. Yet her heart yearned to see what was wrong with her sister, and so her heart won the battle. Jumping into her car, she took off toward Rangeton's only hospital hoping for the best.

Stepping out of her car, she ran toward the main entrance feet flying as she prayed with every step for her sister. What could be wrong? Sure they hadn't spoken in years, but now was her time to get back together with her sister. To support her, to love her. Finally inside, she strode to the information desk ignoring the fast-paced life of Rangeton General and trying her best to focus on the busy woman behind the desk.

The woman's deep chesnut curls sprang to life around her head, and piercing blue eyes bore straight into her's as she spoke. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, I am O'Shea McMalley, I got a phone call about my sister Elizabeth McMalley?" Shea could do nothing but stare back into the woman's eyes hoping for some spark of hope, and yet none seemed to come.

"Oh yes, I'll be right back. Dr. LaVerne will be out to see you in a moment..." the woman's lively step seemed to mirror her personality, yet it only made Shea sink deeper into the chair. What had happened?

The doctor came as soon as the receptionist rounded the corner, and with each step the doctor took toward her, Shea's stomach became more sick.

"Miss McMalley, would you follow me?"

Slowly she followed the tall man through the halls, each one seemed to be closing in more and more. Why was it that he wouldn't just tell her what was going on? The Neonatal Nursery loomed before them, and her breathing became labored as she remembered what an awful time she'd spent there with Keely. Was this some kind of sick joke? "Doctor LaVerne, I'm going to have to ask you to tell me what is going on. I cannot go in there." she gestured to the nursery and plastered her back against the wall refusing to budge.

"Miss McMalley, your sister Elizabeth was in an accident, which forced us to deliver her baby early. Elizabeth was hemorraging badly, I'm sorry to say she did not make it through the procedure. She had you listed as her next of kin. Someone needs to take care of her little girl. That's why we asked you to come here."

The words spun around in her head taunting her, her chest was tight with emotion and tears ran down her face. "No." she whispered, wishing with everything inside her that she could turn away and run. Run as far as possible.

"No?" asked the doctor, his face sagging with disappointment. "At least see her?"

The question made her heart contort painfully, yes she wanted to see her. She wanted to see the little one so badly, yet her brain screamed for mercy from the situation. This little one would most likely be taken from her just as Keely was. Even more painful, it was a little girl in need of love and a complete family. Yet her heart still longed to see the little one, to have one last link to her sister and to her baby. "Yes, I'll see her." she whispered finally.

--

Kent stood over the tiny incubator staring at the little one with tiny red ringlets and tiny eyelids scrunched in sleep. Sometimes the trouble of being a doctor in a neonatal unit was more than he could handle. His heart constricted painfully with each breath the little girl took. The tubes carrying oxygen were breathing for the premature infant, and other machines were helping her to eat. It was understood now that the little orphan girl had an aunt who was on her way in to see her. Dr. LaVerne walked around the corner and waved, he was followed shortly by Kent's neighbor, O'Shea McMalley.

"This is her aunt?" Kent asked quietly, his eyes drinking in Shea's tall form. Since he'd told her of his moving in next door she'd kept herself scarce. It was the truth that Shea was not like any other woman he'd seen before, even better she was gorgeous without looking like a person from a feed the children commercial. Tall with curves in all the right places, he had to swallow and look away to gain his composure.

"Yes, Ms. McMalley is unsure if she would like to take charge of the child.." Dr. LaVerne's eyes conveyed his message, they both knew just by looking at Shea's pale face that she was scared to death of the tiny child. Why, neither of them could be sure, but they needed an answer. If Shea was not going to care for the baby they'd need to contact Social Services.

"I'm sure I'd like to take charge of her." whispered Shea, her eyes wet with tears as she looked at Kent and Dr. LaVerne.

"You would?" they asked in unison.

She nodded, curls flying, "I would love to take care of her. Can I stay for a bit?" tears were tracking down her cheeks in tiny rivers.

Kent fisted his hands in the pockets of his lab coat trying to keep them to himself, "Of course."
Once more she nodded, and she took the rocking chair that Dr.LaVerne offered her. Kent did his best to walk away and not look back, the little one had stolen his heart from the minute she was wheeled into his care. Her aunt had done much the same way, only she'd walked herself straight into that church and nearly right into his arms. Now, he wanted her back there, and there was nothing much he could do about it.