Rita Herron - His-And-Hers Twins

“CAN YOU TWO put your love life on hold while we get this meeting under way?” Mrs. Spivy’s words reverberated in Zeke’s mind like a yelping cocker spaniel. The macho guy who held Paige simply grinned and pulled her onto the couch beside him, slinging an arm around her in a too-cozy move that rattled Zeke’s teeth. The guy loved her—he’d said so right in front of the whole neighborhood.

So much for wondering if Paige had a boyfriend. And he’d thought they’d had chemistry between them. She’d probably been suffering from shock over his messy house and sloppy appearance. And that flier—he was mortified.

“Let’s get started,” Paige said in her silky voice. “We’re all aware there’ve been some break-ins recently.”

Heads nodded in agreement. Zeke’s attention strayed as he studied Paige’s den. A comfortable leather couch, beige and red plaid recliner, pine tables. Everything neat and orderly. Paige’s voice broke into his reverie.

“And the police are doing all they can.” Paige folded her hands together. “But we’ve always been a close neighborhood, so Mrs. Spivy suggested we start this neighborhood watch program.”

“I still can’t get the ketchup out of my white sofa,” Myrtle Simmons said with a sigh.

“They took my car, drove it around and left it dead on empty,” Bert Collins added.

“One of ’em left a pair of unmentionables on my floor,” June Bailey said, patting her neatly coiffured hair.

“The police are investigating each incident. But as citizens, we can help prevent crime. We want to keep our kids safe.”

A hushed chorus of agreement filled the room. The woman beside Zeke offered him a shy smile. “I want my Daryl to be safe. Especially since his father’s not around.”

He nodded, wondering if he’d been pegged as potential father material.

Paige cleared her throat. “We have a large neighborhood so we’ve decided to pair off and run regular checks on each other’s homes. Derrick assures me that posting a sign announcing our watch program will deter some crimes.”

A hearty discussion followed, including who worked and who stayed home, how Genie Atkins would watch anyone’s house when she was bedridden, who to call if someone saw something suspicious, and how old Mr. Pirkle could dial the phone on a bad day with his arthritis. Mrs. Spivy silenced the room with her hand. “I’ve already made a list to pair people up.” She stood and handed out the papers. Zeke glanced at his and saw he’d been paired with Paige. He felt as if he’d won a small lottery.

“In setting this up, I took into account homes with working parents, elderly people at home who might need help, the proximity of neighbors.” The leggy brunette beside him had been paired with Derrick. Good.

“I’m the new vet in town,” Zeke announced. “Watchdogs help in deterring break-ins. If anyone wants a dog or pet, let me know and I’ll match you with an appropriate animal.”

“That’s a great idea,” the woman beside him whispered. “I want one of those little terriers.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” he said, avoiding her come-hither look.

“I own a security consulting business,” Derrick added. “I’ll be happy to install new dead bolts on doors and windows. If anyone wants a security system, we’ll work out a special deal.”

“That would be wonderful.” Mrs. Spivy pressed her hands to her cheeks and tittered. “We feel so much safer with you around, dear.”

Zeke ground his teeth. He was going to provide dogs to people and help teach the animals how to pee outside while Derrick installed security systems.

An hour later, the crowd dispersed and Zeke couldn’t think of a reason to stay any longer, especially when Derrick cornered Paige in a private conversation.

It was better Paige had a boyfriend, he told himself as he left via the back door. She wanted a career, he wanted a wife and mother for his girls. And Renee had already taught him about the heartbreak involved when you tried to combine the two.

“I’D LOVE TO help you find a house for Amelia,” Paige said, grinning at Derrick.

“I thought you might help me choose a bracelet as an engagement gift, too.”

Paige winced, hoping Amelia wasn’t already banking on another failed altar attempt, but she smiled and patted Derrick’s arm. “I’d love to, Derrick.”

Derrick’s smile grew wider. “Great. Now what about you, Paige? Are you interested in anyone?”

Paige shook her head emphatically, pretending nonchalance as she scanned the room for Zeke. “I’m concentrating on finishing my degree.”

“How about that guy who moved in next door?” Derrick raised a dark eyebrow. “He was giving you the eye during the meeting.”

Paige brushed at a piece of lint on her shirt. “You’re imagining things. He wasn’t looking at me any certain way.”

Derrick’s warm laughter boomed. “Look, Paige. I know that predatory gleam when I see it.”

Paige rolled her eyes. “He’s a neighbor, that’s all. Besides,” she said, trying to hide her disappointment over Zeke leaving without saying goodbye. “He has kids.”

Derrick nodded knowingly. “You think it’ll be a repeat of Eric?”

Paige shrugged. “I can’t take any chances.”

ZEKE PAID THE baby-sitter, watched her walk across the street to her house, then grabbed a beer and sank onto the sofa. He flipped on the TV, grimacing when he noticed old reruns of the syndicated show, Father Knows Best, playing. His insecurities about single parenting kicked in again.

He knew what to do with a sick animal, could perform surgery on a traumatized cat or dog, but would he know what was best for his children?

They needed a mother. And as much as he hated the dating game, he should make himself look for someone suitable. Paige’s image quickly surfaced, but he blotted it away like an unwanted ink stain, then flipped the channel again and groaned as The Brady Bunch piped onto the TV. Now, that was exactly the kind of woman he needed. A stay-at-home mom, cook, housekeeper.

But his body curled in distaste. Not very modern thinking. Aggravated with himself, he stood, ready to take Henrietta for a walk and settle down for the night. Henrietta was nowhere in sight.

He noticed his front door swinging open and glanced outside to see a shadow that looked like Henrietta trotting toward Paige’s. He groaned, hoping Henrietta hadn’t gone in search of more brownies. He certainly didn’t want to interrupt Paige, especially if loverboy was still there drooling all over her like a lovesick St. Bernard.

“HENRIETTA, WHAT ARE you doing here?” Paige watched in surprise as the bulky dog wiggled through her pet door and sniffed the kitchen floor. Henrietta turned up her nose and her eyelids drooped in a pitiful begging expression. “Sorry, I don’t have any brownies tonight,” Paige said sympathetically. She studied the pet door, wondering if she should board it up against the vandals. But the door was so small, only a child could crawl through.

The dog whimpered and Paige stepped from her stool and walked awkwardly toward her, clutching the black satin around her body. After the neighbors had left, she’d decided to experiment with a new design. She barely had the fabric pinned above her shoulder.

Henrietta sprawled on her floor, looking woeful. Feeling sorry for her, Paige unwrapped a leftover biscuit from her counter and handed it to her. The mutt accepted it happily, thumping the floor with her short, stubby tail.

“Come on, Henrietta. I bet the girls are looking for you.” Paige opened the back door and almost bumped into Zeke.

“She’s here,” Page said. “I guess she came looking for more brownies,” Paige said.

Zeke reprimanded the dog. Too late, Paige remembered she was wearing nothing but her panties and the scrap of black silk wrapped turban style around her body. Zeke’s gaze flashed with heat as he skimmed her attire. Paige felt exposed, as if the silk were as transparent as cellophane. Her nipples beaded beneath the skimpy fabric and desire curled low in her belly. He had to know she was naked under the fabric. A slow smile spread on Zeke’s face, revealing that killer dimple in his left cheek. She was a goner.