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Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three

Kristin whipped her Miata into the parking lot at the back of the Civic Center. She pushed the door open only to have it slammed back against her by the strong northwest wind. Her shin took the brunt of the blow and she muttered a mild obscenity. Using the entire weight of her five-foot-three inch frame against the door she shoved, managing to keep it from flying out of her hands.

She dashed up the hall leading to the Freede Little Theater and pushed the door to the outer entrance and strode over the double doors leading into the auditorium. She started to push on the right had door open and it suddenly gave way, effectively catapulting her inside the room, where she was confronted by a frowning middle-aged woman.

The woman scowled when she saw Kristin. "Oh!" she said. "I thought you were the pianist professor Schatch is sending over."

"That's what I was told to come down here for. I'm the accompanist," Kristin assured her.

"You? O-o-o boy! Well, come on. I'll take you to see David. I'm Jessica Smith, Mr. Chabrier's manager."

She knew exactly what Jessica thought. It took most people a while to accept the fact that someone as youthful and petite as Kristin was an accomplished pianist. Kristin followed Jessica through the foyer, looking around as she went. Jessica led her down the isle leading to the stage where a small piano dominated the area. The piano was built like a grand, but was about one half the size.

Jessica cleared her throat and called "David."

"Yes?" A voice answered from the offstage. Kristin's first impression was one of a very large man as he sauntered into her line of vision.

"Uh, David. This is -- "

"I'm Kristin Lehman," she said as she stepped forward. "Professor Schatch called and said you need an accompanist, and I'm here to help if I can."

I guess this is one of those 'pregnant silences' I hear about, Kristin thought as the singer scrutinize her.

His six-foot-two inch body towred over both women. He ran a hand through his hair, standing dark brown curls in little peaks on his head. Something tightened inside Kristin as she watched him, and her breathing became a bit labored. He looked more like a misplaced farmer, truck driver or an oil field hand than a sophisticated and well-known singer. His sloppy plaid sweater and worn cords certainly didn't fit her idea of what a man of his prominence would look like. His rugged good looks captivated her until he spoke.

"Professor Schatch said he was sending me his best pianist. You're nothing but a child."

Kristin's eyes narrowed and she glared at the handsome singer. He was as egotistical as she had expected, and she had no intention of wasting her valuable time on him. "I'm a child who doesn't need this kind of garbage," she said. "I'm working on a Chopin concert, and I interrupted my practice to rush down here because Professor Schatch said it was urgent, that your regular accompanist had fallen and broken his wrist, so I'll be on my way." She spun around and darted back to the steps at the side of the stage. She had just reached the top step when she heard Jessica call, "Miss Lehman, please wait."

Kristin stopped and watched as the woman came to where she was standing. "Please don't leave. I think David is just upset because everything has been going wrong for the last couple of days. He didn't mean to be so overbearing, I'm sure."

"Miss Smith, I simply do not have time to waste. If you're going to find another accompanist, I expect you'd better start looking. Mr. Chabrier obviously doesn't think I'll do, so there isn't much need to discuss it further."

"Come back, please. You might as well try his music while you're here. That won't take very long, will it?" Jessica's voice pleaded with Kristin.

Kristin stared at the older woman and felt the urge to turn away. She didn't want to be here, and was ready to leave without further consideration, but her innate good manners came to the forefront and she said, "I didn't come for an audition, Miss Smith. I came as a bona-fide accompanist. I simply refuse to audition for something I don't want anyhow."

Kristin was still standing on the top step and looking at Jessica. A look of panic flitted across her face and her brow furrowed into a deep frown.

"Wait here, will you?" Jessica asked. "I'll go talk to David. I have no idea who we can call on such short notice. Professor Schatch says he doesn't play accompaniments anymore."

"Neither do I," Kristin snapped. "But I'll wait while you talk to Mr. Chabrier."

Jessica watched as Kristin sat down on the top step and ran her hands through her unruly hair. It was naturally curly and had a mind of its own. It tumbled about her head making a golden frame for her elfin face. She is certainly attractive, but so young looking, Jessica thought.

"Can't you let this young woman try your music, David?" Jessica asked when she returned to the studio. "It's going to be very difficult to find another pianist in time to go over your music today. It would be disastrous to simply go into a concert without any rehearsal."

David took a deep breath and a resigned sigh came from the famous throat. "I suppose you're right. I hate changing accompanists at the last minute."

"I know, but the only alternative is to cancel the concert and we just never do that. Let me get Kristin -- that is if she's still here. You'd better apologize because she's really ticked off."

She called to Kristin and asked her if she would come back and let them try again. She tried to make a joke of the situation, but Kristin's face remained fixed in a belligerent expression.

"I'm sorry I insulted you, Miss Lehman," David said. It was clear the apology didn't come easy for him. "This has been a trying two days so my patience is at a very low ebb."

Kristin simply nodded in reply and seated herself at the piano. Jessica bustled around arranging books and sheets of music on the piano. Kristin noodled through some of the music. She looked up with a troubled frown. "This piano hasn't been tuned recently, I gather."

"The stage manager apologized for that, but he's getting the stage grand tuned right now," Jessica said. "It should be ready to use before long. The orchestra is using the Joel Levine Rehearsal Hall and the piano they usually have on this stage is out for some repairs."

David came around behind Kristin to see which music Jessica had laid out. Kristin could detect a faint aroma that was like new leather and soap. The energy emanating from him played havoc with her concentration. With an effort she pulled her attention back to the music and idly played the introduction to Handel's "See, the Raging Flames Arise" from the oratorio "Joshua." David began to sing. The full-bodied tones of his rich baritone voice rose and filled her ears. Her fingers faltered slightly when she heard the timbre of his voice. It embraced her, the room and penetrated into the cracks of the woodwork. In all of her years of accompanying singers, she had never heard anything so beautiful and so utterly masculine.

Jessica quietly placed a cup of coffee on the piano for Kristin and handed one to David. Kristin nodded thanks, took a sip as she fingered a solo selection from Verdi's soliloquy on the futility of honor, from the opera Falstaff.

"Is "L'Onore! Ladril" on your program?" She looked up at David and nearly drowned in his bright chocolate eyes that revealed a faint glimmer of humor.

"It is," Jessica answered before David could reply.

"It's an audience favorite and it brings out the ham in me," he declared, as he took a swallow of his coffee. He gestured with his hand for Kristin to continue.

When he started singing the dramatic piece Kristin felt as though she had never heard the music before. None of the college students she had accompanied had ever brought out the intense drama of the music. He appeared to be totally unaware of the impact his singing was having on his accompanist, and that was fine with Kristin. She intended to do everything she could to keep it that way.

David shuffled through several stacks of music and then placed a book in front of her.

"Here are four Schubert lieder; if you can play these we're in business."

Kristin felt she was auditioning in spite of what she had told Jessica, but she loved Schubert so she gritted her teeth and played the exquisite, swirling music with verve and expertise. David sang the "Die Taubenpost" (The Heart's True Messenger) and then stopped, looking at Kristin with respect and excitement.

"Little girl, I think we're in business -- old Schatch always comes through for me."

How patronizing. It was certain he wouldn't have called a male accompanist, "little boy," no matter his size. However, she bit back a reply, not wanting to start anything that would divert their attention from preparing for the concert.

"I'm glad you think I'll do," she answered, averting her eyes so he couldn't see her resentment.

"I think we'd better stop for lunch," Jessica said. "Some ladies are bringing in food. They should be here in a few minutes."

As if on cue, a very businesslike woman came through the double doors and strode briskly down the isle. She told them lunch would be served in ten minutes, and would they follow her please? Kristin gawked around like a tourist who had never been in a music hall before. She hadn't been here since the renovation that had been started two years before and just completed. She was in Colorado when the grand opening was held. They were led to newly renovated Meinders Hall of Mirrors. Kristin noted the beautiful gray blue drapes, which hung from ceiling to floor. The parquet floors reflected some of the gray and above them were lights that looked like skylights, but couldn't be because there were floors above. At one end of the hall, away from the small stage were several round tables scattered about, covered with pastel linen cloths and set with sparkling crystal and silver. Against one wall was a long table laden with food.

A regal, gray-haired lady came forward to greet them.

"Mr. Chabrier, it is so nice to see you. I'm Nancy Stillman."

"How do you do, Ms. Stillman." David took her hand and raised it to his lips for a graceful kiss.

Several women giggled, though Mrs. Stillman only smiled. Personally, Kristin thought the whole gesture looked pretty silly, with David overpowering the room by his height and masculinity, and looking as though he had stepped out of a truck wearing his old cords and plaid sweater.

"Kristin, what are you doing here, dear?" Mrs. Stillman asked. "Is your mother back from Hawaii? She was planning a long vacation when I last saw her."

"Dad and Mom are due back in a few days. I had a phone call just yesterday and they have been having a wonderful time. Thanks for asking."

"Do you know Kristin?" Jessica asked as she strolled up to them.

"Well, I guess so. Her mother is one of my best friends and Kristin has been performing in and around Oklahoma City since she was a child. We are expecting big things from her in the future."

"I'm going to accompany Mr. Chabrier tomorrow, I think."

"You think?" David looked startled.

"I wasn't sure if we had ever come to an agreement."

"I'll discuss money with you downstairs," Jessica whispered.

Kristin turned a perturbed look on the older woman. Money hadn't even occurred to her, but she supposed she should drop the subject. The ladies were all standing around waiting for their guests to serve themselves. When everyone had a heaping plate, Mrs. Stillman led them to a table near the center of the room.

"Please forgive me for putting you right in the middle, but all of the women want to see you and visit a little. They are great admirers of yours, Mr. Chabrier."

Kristin ignored everyone and began eating. She had a healthy appetite and she hadn't had time for breakfast.

"Kristin, Nancy tells me you are playing for the concert tomorrow. Is that true?"

Kristin looked up from her food and Mrs. Hugo was standing there with a quizzical expression on her face.

"Yes, it is."

"But dear, I thought you had quit doing accompaniments."

"I'm temporarily breaking my resolution on that. Professor Schatch asked if I would accompany Mr. Chabrier. It's a bit of an emergency."

"Well, I hope he realizes what a jewel he has." Mrs. Hugo remarked haughtily and loud enough for both David and Jessica to hear.

Kristin could have hugged and choked her at the same time. Though the woman's loyalty was commendable, her audacity could make Kristin's job more difficult, but Mrs. Hugo wasn't through.

"He'd better be careful or you'll steal his thunder," she said, eyeing the singer, then with a wink she moseyed off.

Kristin looked at David expecting to see a storm cloud. Instead he looked amused. He raised one eyebrow at her and then lifted his water glass in a little salute.

Kristin felt more at ease. It was good to know he had a sense of humor.

"So, you are going to 'steal my thunder,' little one?" David asked as they walked back to the little theater, his eyes bright with laughter.

"I'm a local artist, big one," Kristin answered through gritted teeth. "They've been cheering me on for years, and I guess Mrs. Hugo just couldn't resist doing it now."

"I gather you don't like being called 'little' one."

"I prefer being called Kristin, if it's all the same to you."

Jessica interrupted to say she was going to check on the stage piano.

"She certainly looks after things, doesn't she?" Kristin remarked.

"Yes, she's my girl Friday. She smooths everything out."

Jessica began gathering music after telling them the stage piano was ready. Kristin picked up a handful of music also, and wondered if David always just stood by and let Jessica work like a packhorse. Maybe he thinks he's too great to do such mundane work, she thought. However, the thought barely flickered through her mind when he took the heavy books from her.

His great brown eyes examined her as if this were the first time he had ever seen her, and was trying to decide who she really was. Something about the look caused Kristin to feel exposed. She glanced away, her face hot.

"I'll call you Kristin if you'll call me David," he said. "Are you ready for a long afternoon's work?"

Kristin nodded. The afternoon session began in a more relaxed atmosphere than the morning. Jessica seemed to have disappeared, but after about two hours of concentrated practice she came up to them and said, "Let's take a break, okay?"

"It doesn't seem like more than thirty minutes," David said. "I expect Kristin could use a break, eh, Kristin?"

"I'm all right. I'm used to working long sessions."

"David has to guard against vocal strain so he needs to stop for awhile. His voice is his instrument," Jessica said, primly, and then added. "I have some fruit and coffee back stage."

She walked away with a confident air, knowing they would follow.

David raised an eyebrow at Kristin and grinned, which did strange things to her inner workings and definitely disturbed her equilibrium. She tried very hard to remain cool and detached, but it was becoming more difficult as he turned the full force of his blatant male charm on her.

"How is it sounding?" David asked Jessica.

"It's going well." She cast a worried look at him. "I'm glad you have the most difficult numbers out of the way. You really need to ease up a bit. I can hear a little strain in your voice."

"You're probably right. I'm a bit tense, which shows in my voice."

Kristin walked around stretching her tired muscles; after sitting so much it felt good to exercise a little. She reflected that she couldn't hear any strain in David's voice. It sounded wonderful to her.

"How much longer do you plan to work?" Jessica asked.

"About two more hours, if Kristin's up to it."

"I'm all right," Kristin insisted.

"Now David, you know you mustn't do too much the day before a performance," Jessica protested.

"Will you relax? I'm not the young student you first started coaching. I'm a grown man with a fully developed vocal mechanism and it isn't delicate." There was a 'back off' kind of snarl in his voice.

"All voices are delicate," Jessica sniped and began gathering up the music which had been scattered over the piano and about the room.

They continued their practice until Jessica reappeared at 5:00 p.m. She seemed to be invisible until she had some duty to perform. She stood silent until they put the finishing touches to the last numbers, which were encore selections from the musical "Oklahoma."

"The limo from the hotel is here," Jessica announced without preamble.

David rubbed his forehead and shook himself much like a dog who has just come out of the rain.

"Kristin, will you have dinner with us?" he asked.

She rubbed her hand across the back of her neck and rolled her shoulders a little before she answered.

"No, but thanks. I'll get on home and have a light supper and get to bed early."

As she was talking David moved around behind her and she felt his large, strong hands begin to massage her neck and shoulders. She definitely felt more than a simple massage. What in the world is happening to me? she asked herself. The room was cold, but Kristin felt warmth move from his fingertips into her entire body. You're no dummy, she told herself. This is a big beautiful, handsome man and your body knows it and you know it. SOS, red signals! Danger ahead -- beware the big handsome man! Run as fast as you can in the other direction.

The look she saw in Jessica's eyes was knowing and definitely disapproving.

"Come, David. The driver may have other clients to pick up. We can't keep him waiting."

"I have to play for church tomorrow morning," Kristin said. "If you need me I can be here by one-thirty to practice with you."

"That won't be necessary," David said. "I only vocalize for about forty minutes before a concert."

"Okay, I'll be here by two forty-five."

"Oh! you'd better make it two-thirty," Jessica said. "We get nervous if everyone isn't on hand at least thirty minutes before performance time."

"What Jessica means is she gets nervous if everyone isn't here at least thirty minutes before performance time."

"Very well," Kristin answered. "We don't want anyone to get nervous, now do we?"

David laughed and the sound was as musical as his singing. He pulled on a heavy topcoat and wrapped his throat with a long wool scarf. He then clapped a ridiculous looking cap on his head. It had flaps that pulled down over his ears and a small excuse for a bill.

It was all Kristin could do to keep from laughing. He looked like an oversized teddy bear. He must have seen the amusement twinkling in her eyes. He looked a little embarrassed, but didn't say anything. However, Jessica couldn't let the look pass.

"He has to take care of his instrument, you know. If he gets chilled he can lose his voice. Singers must be very careful. They can't just roll in a new instrument, like a pianist, if this one is damaged."

"I'm sure that's true," Kristin said. It must have been the tension of the day, but the giggle couldn't be suppressed. It came bubbling out of its own volition.

"He just looks like a great big teddy bear," she sputtered. "No one would ever guess what a wonderful singer he is if they saw him now."

Jessica obviously didn't think it was funny because the frown stayed glued to her face. David did. He laughed in that big hearty voice of his, and reached out and picked Kristin up in a bear hug, bringing her face almost on a level with his. "If I'm a big teddy bear you are a cuddly kitten."

Kristin's body responded alarmingly as she felt David's arms around her. She felt herself wanting to melt into him and give over to the heat he stirred in her. Alarm bells sounded in her head and she became aware that her feelings were not those of a young, independent career woman.

Anger flashed through her, flushing out the warmth. Cold fury surfaced. She hit at his chest and twisted like a small wild cat until he set her down. She pulled back her hand in a movement that was obvious a preparation to slapping him, but he caught her hands in his and looked at her with narrowed eyes.

"I wouldn't try that if I were you." There was a glint in his eyes along with one of amusement. "If you think you're angry now, just try hitting me and see what happens."

"You big oaf. Do you think I'm some cute little toy that you can handle any way you choose. You've made a point of belittling me ever since I came. What is it with you? Are you a throwback to the original male chauvinists? Some Neanderthal?"

David backed away with a puzzled expression on his face. "I didn't mean anything by picking you up. I don't know why I did it. I guess it's because you were laughing and seemed to be teasing me."

"Let me give you my opinion of why you did it. You think you're so wonderful that you can do as you please with everyone. I'll have you know I'm doing you a favor by rushing down here to play for you. I have a lot more important things to do, so don't think you can put me on your string."

She ran past Jessica and could see that lady was about to explode. "You are going to be here tomorrow, aren't you?"

"I'll be here. I always live up to a commitment no matter how much I'd like to just chuck the whole thing," she said. She glared at Jessica and grabbed her hand bag as she dashed off stage. She had to sprint quite a distance to get back to the east door where she had entered and to her car. She was totally frustrated because the big door couldn't be slammed. It glided shut without a sound. She flew down the steps, jumped in her car and slammed that door with a satisfying thud.

The wind had calmed, but there was a definite chill in the air. It was going to be a cold night, and the weatherman mentioned a storm brewing. She h oped it held off until after the concert.

She was still fuming at her encounter with David as she sat at a long signal light; the rush hour traffic didn't improve her mood and she ordered herself to calm down. She thought of Johann and smiled. He always managed to calm her spirits, but then she remembered how she had left in such a hurry that morning. Oh, my, she thought. I just went off and left the poor dear without anyone to look in on him. A vision of her first encounter with Johann pricked her consciousness.

She had found him abandoned in front of her door and couldn't imagine how he had gotten there. She picked up the ugliest little puppy she had ever seen. He looked like he had been put together by a decidedly untalented child playing with clay. His head was out of all proportion to his body; his ears were too long for his head; his eyes were his only redeeming feature. They were as black as the night without a moon. He opened his tiny mouth and all that came out was a small squeak.

"Why you poor little guy," she said. "Where in the world did you come from? You must be starving." She took him into the house and found a little saucer and poured milk into it and put the pathetic little puppy in front of the bowl. The baby simply fell over in a heap and squealed. She stared at him a minute and then bundled him up in a large towel and took him to a veterinarian whose office was close by. The doctor was just leaving when Kristin rushed in.

"We're closed."

"Oh, but you must look at this little puppy," Kristin insisted.

"Lady, I've had a long hard day and I'm closing. Bring the dog back tomorrow."

The innocent vet had never encountered an immovable object disguised as a pretty young female. Kristin sat down in a chair and stared at him.

"I'm not budging from this spot until you look at this little pup. Are you going to lock me in here?"

"No," the vet sighed. "My wife is going to kill me if I'm late for supper again, but bring the animal on back. I'll see what I can do."

Kristin followed him to an examining room and laid the tiny bundle on the table.

"Where in the world did you get this little beast?"

"Some crum-bum dropped him off on my doorstep."

"I doubt if I can do anything for him," the vet said and a kindly tone crept into his voice. "He's so sick and neglected he probably won't live. I don't often make this recommendation, but the most merciful thing you can do is to have him put to sleep."

"Well I'm not going to do that. What's wrong with him?"

"He's nearly starved to death."

"He wouldn't eat. I tried to give him some milk in a bowl."

The vet looked at Kristin with an incredulous expression.

"The animal is just a baby," he said, his voice dripping sarcasm. "I don't believe he's had his eyes open very long. He's still nursing."

"Oh! Well then just tell me how to take care of him. I'll try to find someone who wants him for a pet," Kristin said, totally confident that it would be a snap. "What kind of dog is he anyway?"

"He isn't any kind of dog. That is, he is a very strange mix. The only thing I can tell you is that he's part dachshund."

The vet gave Kristin instructions, sold her some vitamins, a feeding bottle and a book on how to raise dogs. She was off into the new experience of mothering the little orphan. After an ad in the paper and pleading with friends she realized she would be unable to get anyone to adopt him. Friends and strangers alike would take one look at him and say, "What would I want with a dog like that? That's the ugliest dog I've ever seen." So she called him Johann, after Johann Sebastian Bach, which finally became Yon. He was such a charming little friend she forgot he was the homeliest of animals.

A loud blast of the car horns behind her jolted her out of her reminiscing and she knew that if she didn't want to get run over she had better get moving.

Thirty minutes later she was in her front door and Yon was there waiting for her. He greeted her with a handshake and an urgent wag of his curly tail. His black eyes seemed to say, accusingly, "I really need to go outside. You've left me here for a long time."

Kristin let him into the small side yard and he ran around in relief, marking every bush in sight. Soon he was at the door with a gentle little scratch.

When she let Yon back into the house he looked at her with his velvet, black eyes and they seemed to say, "I'll have a little bit of supper now, if you don't mind."

"Okay, sweetie," Kristin said. "Here you go." She sat a bowl of chunky meat in front of him. He gave a little "thank you" wag of his tail and dug right in.

Kristin kicked off her shoes and peered into the refrigerator to find something she could eat without any preparation. She found left-over stew and stood at the sink eating while she watched a group of industrious ants making a living on the results of her untidy housekeeping.

Carry on, little pests, and have fun because when I clean house your easy pickins' will be over, she thought.

Yon followed Kristin into the living room and she gathered him onto her lap as she dropped down on the large couch. She rubbed his head and scratched behind his ears as she told him about her day. She told him about the handsome, arrogant singer she had met. Yon was the only being on the planet that she could confess her most intimate thoughts to. She confessed she had been attracted to the handsome singer, but also admitted she had over-reacted when he picked her up.

"I could have handled that much better and not been so bitchy about it. I don't suppose he really did mean anything aside from just being playful, but my own feelings were anything but playful. I don't need that kind of complication right now," she whispered. In answer Yon looked up at her with his soulful eyes and gave her a little slurp on her cheek. "What a sweetheart you are." She patted him on his head and sighed, "I'm tired and am going to bed."

She opened the large clothes closet in her bedroom and stared at a selection of gowns. She was at a loss about what to wear for the performance tomorrow. If she were the star she could more easily decide, but what does one wear when one is accompanying a celebrity?

She decided on a midnight blue dress made of delicate chiffon with a full satin slip of the same color. She stood in front of the mirror and turned this way and that and liked the effect the chiffon created. "It does appear to reveal quite a bit of me when the light is just right, but I think it will work."

***

David leaned back into the luxurious velvet seats of the limousine, as the driver skillfully wove through the chaotic Oklahoma City rush hour traffic. Jessica had been correct in saying that he had worked harder than he normally did the day immediately preceding a concert. He usually just skimmed over the high points of his music the day before, but it was necessary for him and his accompanist to become familiar with each other's style as well as let Kristin play every note of music on the program.

A smile moved from his eyes to his mouth as he thought of the feisty, petite young woman. He wondered how such a tiny person could command such a big instrument with the authority of a one-hundred and seventy-five pound man. Her hands could cause the instrument to thunder in one instance and caress the keys in the next with the lightness of a feather. A picture of those light touches stroking his body, in the most sensitive of places flashed through his mind. He immediately ordered such erotic thoughts to leave his well-disciplined mind, and remembered how indignant she had been when he had picked her up. He also remembered how she felt in his arms; he could feel her womanliness even through his heavy coat.

He glanced over and caught Jessica watching his expression. She was tired, it was plain to see, but still alert and anxious.

"Do you think Kristin is going to be satisfactory?" she asked.

"If she plays the way she did today she'll be more than satisfactory. She is definitely a gifted pianist."

"She seems so young. I do worry a little about her reliability."

"That's an unknown factor, I'll admit, but I can't believe that Schatch would send me anyone there was any doubt about," David answered.

"Just the same, I'll be relieved when this concert is behind us."

David retreated into his own thoughts. Jessica was a born worrier, but this was an unusual situation. Jack had fallen the day before and the only alternative to canceling the concert was to find another accompanist. It had been a late call to the professor who declined to accompany David and suggested Kristin.

"Is there a storm brewing?" he asked as he watched a few snowflakes drift down.

"I heard some of the maintenance crew say there is a possible threat of snow."

"You know, I wonder if this concert is jinxed."

"Now you know you don't believe that nonsense."

They arrived at the beautiful new Eighty-Niner hotel. It was small and luxurious in an understated way. It sat like a beautiful jewel on perfectly landscaped grounds. Colorful bushes were set close to the building that cheered the bleak December evening. Large trees created an air of permanence that belied the newness of the structure. There was a small crystal blue lake on the south side of the building. Black and white swans and assorted ducks floated at the edge. Artistic statuary was interspersed among the trees and bushes; a life sized bronze horse, with an Indian warrior astride, was displayed in such a way the horse seemed to be taking a drink from the lake.

They entered a reception area that was warm and inviting. Against one wall was an enormous fireplace with large logs cheerily heating the room. Floor to ceiling windows looked onto the expanse of grounds, bringing the outdoors inside. A springtime look was created by live plants and cut flowers. Scattered about the room were intimate seating arrangements, each lighted by a lamp in subdued pastel shades.

"How in the world did you locate this beautiful hotel?" David asked.

"I can't take credit for this. Mrs. Stillman made the arrangements for us to stay here. It's breathtaking isn't it?"

"It's as charming as I've seen anywhere and I've been around a lot. Did you say it's new?"

"Fairly. I think it was built to celebrate the Oklahoma centennial celebration of the run of 1889. That's why it's called the Eighty-Niner."

Their rooms on the fourth floor were equally charming with a small sitting room situated between two attractive bedrooms.

"Would you like for me to order dinner?" Jessica asked.

"Yes, but a little later. Is there a swimming pool?"

"I'll find out."

She dialed the desk, asked about the pool, nodded her head, and when she hung up she turned to David.

"There's a gymnasium, pool, sauna, massage on order, and a bar on the fifth floor."

"I'm going for a swim. How about you?"

"No, I don't believe I will. I'll order supper. Any requests?"

"I want a big steak with all the trimmings."

"Okay. Have a good swim."

David pulled on a bathing suit, wrapped the luxurious towel robe, furnished by the hotel, around himself and dashed up the stairs. Forty-five minutes later he was back in his bedroom, feeling relaxed and hungry. He glanced at himself in the long mirror and thought he looked more like he should be on his dad's ranch than preparing for a concert. He knew that good genes had a lot to do with his fitness, and his thoughts turned to the conversations which often took place around the dinner table as he was growing up.

"You're beginning to look more like your grandfather every day," his mother remarked. "He was French, you know, and very tall. He married a Native American beauty and brought her to this piece of land where they worked very hard to establish this ranch."

There were many discussions of where his musical ability came from, because no one else in the immediate family displayed any tendency toward being musical. But it was rumored that one of their distant ancestors had been a composer of some repute. "Hm-m-n. I don't look any more like a singer than Kristin does a pianist." He muttered to himself as he put on pajamas and a dark burgundy velveteen robe.

Jessica interrupted his thoughts by rapping on the door to his room to tell him their dinner had arrived.

He strolled into the living room where a table covered with a white linen cloth, and table setting for two, was situated near the large picture window. A small bouquet of daisies was placed in the center of the table. "That looks inviting," he said as he pulled out Jessica's chair.

"When I told them we would have dinner in our room they sent a young man up to prepare the table," Jessica said. "The view of the lake is nice from here, isn't it?"

They busied themselves doing justice to the meal, while watching the news. Soon the exhausting day caught up with them and they said good night and retired to their respective rooms.

As David was trying to fall asleep, he remembered the feel of Kristin's firm young body when he had picked her up in his teasing bear hug, her reaction, and the fury she displayed.

He finally fell asleep and his dreams brought Kristin into his arms. When he awoke he was embracing a large pillow, and was disappointed to find it was only a dream.

Chapter Two

Kristin awakened with a headache, and everything she did seemed to take more time than it should. She felt as though the house shoes she wore had soles made of lead as she shuffled into the kitchen to put on a restoring pot of coffee. The pot wasn't where it should be and she was out of coffee. Yon spent an unusual amount of time outside, and her friend, Mary, in the apartment next door, who was supposed to look after Yon later, was difficult to awaken. When she finally answered the door she was not very happy with Kristin for arousing her so early on Sunday morning to be asked to borrow coffee.

Realizing the dress she had chosen to wear for the concert would not be suitable for church, she dug out an old garment bag and packed it with the dress and other things she would need to change into for the concert.

Altogether, Kristin was not in the best of moods when she arrived at the church. However, the service was soothing to her. She always loved the processional. A young boy carried the cross and two young girls followed and lighted the alter candles before proceeding into the choir loft. The choir processed after the children singing, "Lift High The Cross," after which the ministers took their places, one on each side of the altar.

The scripture readings, prayers, songs of praise and of supplication all tended to soothe Kristin's nerves. By the time the service was over she was her cheerful self again.

She retrieved her concert clothes from the choir-robe closet, where she had hung them before the service, and went to the nearest women's rest room to change. Her hair had been left hanging free for church, but she decided to tame it into an upswept style by saturating it with styling gel. She applied more gel than she had intended and ended up with her hair pulled into a tight bun at the back of her head. She decided that with the dark dress, pearl necklace, and small pearl earrings, her appearance was changed enough for her to look like a sophisticated twenty-six years.

She kept one eye on the clock while she ate lunch at a nearby cafeteria. It was two o'clock, which gave her thirty minutes to get to the music hall. She checked her make- up in the restroom as she went out and added a little more rouge and lipstick to compensate for the bright stage lights.

She popped a throbbing soft rock cassette into the tape deck and drove along happily tapping to the beat of the music, quite sure there was plenty of time to arrive by two-thirty. Just as she was slowing to take the exit off I-35 to downtown Oklahoma City another small, low-to-the ground sports car came whizzing around her, which caused her to veer to the right. Just enough snow had fallen to make the exit ramp slick. Kristin's little car slid sideways and then turned completely around and caught on the shoulder, held for a minute and then slipped into a ditch. The impact, as it stopped, pushed her forward and she bumped her head on the wheel.

"Darn that clown of a driver. Now what?" she muttered.

She sat for a minute, stunned, and then tried to drive the car back to the roadway, but it wouldn't budge. It was wedged tightly against the embankment. Her predicament came to her with full force. I am not going to make it by two-thirty if at all. I've got to get out of here and call someone to come get me, she thought.

Fortunately the door opened readily. She stood up and surveyed the damage to the car. It wasn't going anywhere by itself for a while. She reached in the car and got her purse and warm wool coat. I'll just have to walk to a phone and call a taxi and get there as soon as possible, she thought.

She hadn't counted on the chivalry of Oklahoma City's finest. A police car pulled up and a handsome young officer got out.

"It looks like you've had a little trouble. Are you hurt?"

"I don't think so. I bumped my head a little, but I'm alright."

"Let me look at you," he said. "I think you should see a doctor about that. You've got a big knot coming up there."

"Oh! I can't," Kristin wailed, aware of the unbecoming whine in her voice. "I have to get to the Civic Center. I'm accompanying the artist who is singing this afternoon. You know, David Chabrier, the famous singer who is giving a concert this afternoon. I'm his accompanist and I simply have to get there as soon as possible."

The young officer surveyed the situation of both car and Kristin as they were talking.

"Come on, I'll get you there if you're sure you're okay. I'll have to give you a citation for not having your seat belt fastened. You didn't have it fastened, did you?"

"No, I was in a hurry so I forgot."

"I'll get the information from you later. Let's go. It's two-fifty right now. You say the concert is at three?"

"Yes, and they expected me by two-thirty. They are really going to be worried," she said, trying valiantly to not continue her whining tone.

"We'll be there is just a few minutes." The young officer had introduced himself as Jake Conners. "You try to relax, okay?" His smile was the ray of sunshine Kristin needed at that moment. His handsome, dark features were relaxed and reassuring.

Kristin arrived at the music hall with lights flashing and siren going. It was more attention than she cared for, but she was grateful that the way had been cleared of traffic so they could reach the Civic Center unimpeded.

Jake jumped out of the car and was at Kristin's door before she realized he had moved. He took her arm and escorted her up the steps, and as she stepped through the door she was surrounded by anxious inquisitive faces.

To Kristin everyone seemed frozen in place as she went back stage. They were facing her and the time was two-fifty-five. Jessica had a disapproving frown on her face. The stage manager looked questioningly at the officer and Kristin.

"This young lady was in a minor accident," Jake said. "I'm sure you folks will know what to do, so I'll leave her in your hands."

Kristin murmured her thanks to Jake and then turned again to face the room.

"I'm sorry. I know I'm late, but just give me a second and I'll be ready," she apologized with an anxious frown on her face.

"You certainly have had us worried," Jessica snarled. "Now you see why I want everyone in place by two-thirty. It's very important."

Kristin stared at Jessica, not believing what she had heard. Is the woman ignoring the fact that I've been in an accident? she asked herself.

David stepped into the picture. When Kristin saw him she felt an overwhelming desire to run to him and cry into his beautiful tuxedo. He looked strong and reassuring, although remembering their brouhaha the evening before, she was sure he felt more like slugging her than anything else.

"I-I-didn't mean to be late, Jessica." Suddenly she felt dizzy. "A creep came around me too close and I lost control of my car at a slick place on the off-ramp."

David moved toward her. His handsome face registered concern or anger, Kristin wasn't sure which. Her dizziness turned to blackness and in the best tradition of damsels in distress she proceeded to swoon.

He was at her side in one stride. Swooping her up in his arms, he hissed at Jessica, "Make an announcement there will be a slight delay in starting the concert." He carried Kristin down the stairs into the celebrity lounge, where he gently placed her on the couch.

His first instinct was to shake her until her teeth rattled. The little idiot must have been driving too fast. These kids today just don't give enough thought to time and the importance of being somewhere when they are supposed to.

He slipped her heavy coat off and then caught his breath at the sight of her lying so limp and vulnerable. Her underskirt was cut low and her youthful round breasts could be plainly seen through the thin material of the outer garment. Her slim body and well- shaped hips attested to her womanliness and the sight of her tantalized him, causing his body to tightened in places it shouldn't under the circumstances.

He gave himself a mental shake, pulled away and went to the sink, dampened a paper towel under the cold water tap, took it back to Kristin, and only then did he notice the large knot on her forehead. The last of his irritation disappeared and was replaced with a burst of concern.

He felt like a hero from one of the many tragic operas he had performed. He was totally smitten, and felt confused that his emotions for this lovely young woman were so strong. As he tenderly pressed the cold compress to her forehead, he bent over and kissed her lightly on the lips. Her eyelids fluttered open. Just like Sleeping Beauty, he thought.

"Oh, David, I'm so sorry. Let's go. It's time for the concert to start right now, isn't it?" She tried to get up, but his big hand pushed her firmly back.

The door to the room filled with people. First Jessica, then the stage manager, and an assured young man dressed in a dark gray suit.

"I've brought Dr. Stewart," said the stage manager. "I know where he always sits so I didn't have to make a public announcement. I don't think anyone knows yet why we've had to delay, and people are still coming in."

"How is she?" Jessica asked.

"Let me have a little room, please," Dr. Stewart said.

Kristin sat up. She looked thoroughly embarrassed by all of the attention.

"I'm alright, doctor," she said. "I don't know why I fainted. I never do. I just never do."

"Well, you did this time, young lady. Let me have a look at you." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pencil flashlight and shined it in Kristin's eyes.

David moved away, reluctantly, as Dr. Stewart peered into Kristin's eyes, had her follow his finger to see if she could focus, examined the knot on her forehead and said, "You're going to have a black eye and a nice knot for a while, but other than that I think you're fine."

"Why did she faint then?" David asked.

"I'd say mild shock and nervous tension, but if she has a headache or faints again I'd need to reconsider."

"You don't think we need to take her to the hospital?" David asked. His voice was heavy with anxiety.

"I'm fine. Let's give a concert," Kristin insisted.

"Under other circumstances I'd say she needs to apply cold compresses to her eye and head, but I think she'll be in no real danger going on with the concert," Dr. Stewart said, reassuringly.

David turned to the other people and said, "Leave us alone. We'll be up in just a short time. I think Kristin needs to simply relax for a few minutes."

The doctor nodded his head in agreement with David's prescription and the rest of the company filed reluctantly out of the room.

"I wish you'd go to the hospital. I don't like the way that eye looks."

Kristin got to her feet and tested her steadiness. To David she looked small and vulnerable, but she smiled at him and said, "Now where is your the-show-must-go-on attitude?"

She went to a large mirror and grimaced at her reflection. "Is there any stage makeup in here?"

"Just like a woman! Thinking about how she looks when there are several hundred people waiting up there for a performance they've paid for," he growled. He knew he was being unreasonable, but his unexpected feelings for Kristin and the frustration of the whole concert were telling on his normally calm disposition.

Kristin turned on him and sapped, "I'm not so concerned about my appearance, but I expect I'll get more attention than I should if I walk out there with a black eye shining in the spotlight. Now, once again, is there any make-up down here? I don't have anything but a lipstick in my purse."

"I don't know. Let's look."

They rummaged through the cabinet in the little bathroom and found some heavy pancake makeup. Kristin dampened a tissue and dabbed her bruised forehead with the pasty makeup and winced at the tenderness of the spot. She then pulled some strands of hair over the place and pronounced herself ready to go.

"Are you sure?" David asked.

"I'm sure. Let's go wow 'em, eh?"

On their arrival at the top of the stairs Jessica and the stage manager converged on them. Their faces reflected concern. David assured them Kristin was okay, and then walked over to the edge of the stage and discreetly looked out at the audience. Every seat appeared to be taken.

He glanced over his shoulder at Kristin. She was standing just above the stairs shaking her hands gently and swinging her arms to remove the tension. He was pleased to see the color had returned to her face and she was calm as she sauntered over to him and asked, "Are you ready?"

"I guess we'd better get on with it," he answered.

Kristin walked briskly to the piano without looking directly at the audience. There was a loud round of applause, and she looked up with a modest smile. David followed almost immediately and the people increased the level of clapping until the room was filled with the sound.

She usually waited for the soloist to give a small nod of the head, while still facing the audience, to indicate that he was ready to begin. However, instead David turned completely around and looked into her face to reassure himself that she truly was feeling up to the demanding concert before he began to sing. Her youthfulness and quick temper on top of the accident caused him to feel more anxious than usual about a performance. He had overcome stage fright several years ago, even though he always had a frisson of excitement run through his body just before he began to sing, but he rarely felt uneasy as he did now.

The slight flush and reassuring smile Kristin gave him helped ease his mind a little as he turned back to the audience, and stepped close to the edge of the stage. The energy from the large crowd was palpable.

Kristin played the chords of the first selection decisively. David's glorious voice filled the auditorium. The first half of the concert consisted of several Handle selections, four Schubert lieder, selections from Verdi's "Falstaff," and the rollicking "Estuans Interius" (In The Tavern) from Carl Orff's Carmina Burena. The lively number and David's acting ability had the audience laughing and clapping vigorously as the first half of the concert ended.

He bowed a few times to acknowledge the applause and then turned to look for Kristin. He saw the top of her head as she disappeared down the steps to the lounge.

"Kristin," he called.

"I told you we could wow 'em," she chortled.

"It's pretty good so far. How do you feel?" His gaze flicked over her face, halting at the swollen eye, which was beginning to turn purple.

"I'm okay. I've felt better, but I'm all right."

"Let me look at that eye." David followed her down the steps. "That sure doesn't look very good."

Kristin reached up and felt the bump and quickly pulled her hand away. "It probably looks worse than it feels."

He could not keep his hand from reaching out and stroking her cheek.

"Do you think you're going to make it through the rest of the concert?"

"I haven't given any consideration to not making it," she snapped. There was that macho attitude again. Did he expect her to cave in to a little discomfort just because she was a woman? He had a lot to learn about Kristin Lehman, not that they would ever see enough of each other for him to learn about her one way or the other.

"The music in this last half isn't quite as demanding as in the first."

They reached the door of the lounge and Kristin continued on down the hall to the lady's rest room.

"I'll see you in a minute," she said.

"Okay."

In a few minutes she was back and he was lying on the long couch with his eyes closed. She tried to tiptoe by him, but his eyes flew open and a warm smile started in them and spread to his mouth.

"You're quite a little trooper, aren't you?"

"I've played under worse circumstances. This is child's play compared to trying to perform with a full-blown cold or allergy. That happened to me at a festival in Aspen, Colorado. You can imagine the problem of trying not to sneeze while in the middle of a selection."

"Certainly can."

"With this all I have to worry about is whether my eye swells shut before we're through. I might have trouble seeing the music with only one eye." She laughed and started toward the small bathroom. "However, I know most of the music from past concerts and I have a photographic memory where music is concerned," she said, with only a trace of boasting in her voice. "I'd better see about a little more make-up on this unsightly face."

"It's still a lovely face. Though I must say I prefer you not to bang it up like that," he said. "Uh, Kristin. I'm sorry about grabbing you yesterday. I wasn't thinking."

"I was probably a bit edgy and over-reacted." She looked away, afraid her face would reveal some of the real cause for her reaction. She certainly didn't want him to know his touch had ignited an awareness of his virility that had caused alarms to go off in her body. "Let's just forget it, okay?"

"Sure."

The stage manager tapped lightly on the lounge door and reminded David and Kristin that it was time for the second half of the concert.

Kristin dabbed a little more makeup on her eye and the bump on her forehead, shrugged her shoulders and thanked her lucky stars that she wasn't the central figure in this performance. She would hate for all of those eyes to be centered on her exclusively.

Love songs were the focus of the second half of the concert. Many Brahms numbers were performed. Brahms love songs were guaranteed to evoke feelings of romance with the audience. Brief program notes were printed to explain the words of the music for those who didn't understand the foreign language in which they were sung. David knew there were always a few people who didn't like all classical music, therefore, he always included several popular selections on his programs.

A short piece by Richard Hageman titled "Do Not Go, My Love" had only one line to describe the purpose of the words, since they were sung in English. It said, 'this is a parent singing to a dying child'.

The number opened with two slow, syncopated chords. The music was plaintive and pleading. The words were powerful. They described a mother sitting by the side of the bed of her dying child. She is so tired that she finds it nearly impossible to continue watching, but she is afraid if she closes her eyes he will leave her. She pleads with him to not go as she closes her eyes for just a few minutes. The selection ends with her saying, "Could I but entangle your feet with my heart, and hold them fast to my breast!" The music ends on a high note that becomes a scream being choked off.

The audience sat silent. People were stunned. It was as though they had seen someone completely bare his soul. One clap broke the tension and applause thundered throughout the room. The people came to their feet as though of one accord, but David kept his head bowed, and then looked up and whispered, "Thank you."

He walked off the stage and Kristin debated whether to follow him or not. It wasn't the usual procedure because there were a few more selections to go. She had tears in her eyes; the music had moved her as it rarely did. She decided to remain at the piano until David returned.

When the ovation subsided David walked back on stage, and it started over again. He whispered, "thank you," but this time simply stood and waited. After a while everyone was quiet and he finished the concert with selections from popular musical comedies, ending with favorites from Oklahoma.

He was called back for several encores and was greeted each time by a standing ovation. He urged Kristin to come on stage with him and take a bow. She shook her head feeling it would not be good etiquette. Finally he walked over to the side of the stage and pulled her out with him. There was loud appreciation for her efforts. She bowed gracefully in acknowledgment, but was happy when she could escape. Finally the audience let them go, but soon many people were back stage hoping to see David and secure an autograph.

***

Jessica gratefully took a seat in the audience, thankful for the chance to simply be quiet for a little while. She had rushed to Oklahoma City after David told her Jack had broken his wrist, and had hardly caught her breath since. It seemed impossible that had been only two days ago. David had had an accompanist by the name of Schatch when he had first begun giving concerts. But the accompanist had earned a doctorate and became a full professor. David had hoped that Professor Schatch was still at The University of Oklahoma and was relieved to hear his voice answer the telephone.

They were feeling quite desperate when the professor had declined to accompany David, protesting that it had been too many years since he had done any accompanying and also his hands were not quite as flexible as they once were. He had suggested Kristin and sung her praises until Jessica decided to call her.

As Jessica watched and listened to the concert she had to agree that the young woman was a good choice. Kristin's music sense was outstanding and she was able to anticipate even the slightest change in David's presentation and make the appropriate adjustments. However, it was worrisome to have to rely on such a young person for an important concert. As she sat listening to the applause she became aware of the comments of people around her.

"Doesn't he have the most thrilling voice?"

"Oh, yes! And isn't she good?"

"Oh I guess. I've heard her before, and she's so pretty."

"Well, I think they are perfectly charming together. She's so little and blonde and he's so big, dark and handsome."

"Are you going to the reception?"

"Oh! Am I? Do you think I'd miss a chance to meet that gorgeous man. No-sirree not me."

Jessica felt a little twinge of guilt for not going back stage to see how Kristin was feeling, but decided against it. She sensed a protectiveness in David regarding Kristin that worried her a bit. Women were constantly throwing themselves at him, and he rarely became involved, but there was a current between Kristin and David that was unnerving. I sure don't want to see him become involved in a love affair right in mid- career, she thought.

The house lights dimmed and the seats began to fill. There was a soft, happy murmur and soft rustle of paper. A small child's voice could be heard in the distance. I certainly hope they don't have a crying baby today. Jessica thought. She sighed, ashamed that she felt more like sleeping than listening any more. She dreaded the reception and all the noise and bustle that entailed. Oh well, it will be over soon and I can go back to the hotel and get a decent night's sleep at last.

Chapter Three

Kristin let a big sigh escape as she dropped down into a chair and sat watching people adore David. She was delighted to fade into the background and let the rest of the world pay homage to the great star. She became aware of a dull pain in her head and a tight, tender sensation in her left eye. She could barely see out of the eye and knew it must be swelling shut. Determined to ignore her injuries, she directed her attention to the unfolding drama backstage.

Jessica was adroitly steering fans to Meinders Hall of Mirrors where, she assured them, they would have an opportunity to talk to David and get their programs autographed. Kristin respected her efficiency and was impressed with the way she looked. She is really a capable woman, she thought. She's bossy, but I guess that's what it takes to be a successful manager for a well-known artist.

Kristin admired Jessica's turquoise, ankle length skirt of sheer, soft wool, topped by a black sweater with colorful embroidery woven into the knitting. Exquisite turquoise jewelry set off the outfit to perfection. Her thick brown hair was shoulder length and so straight it looked like it had been ironed.

"My dear, you were as good as I knew you would be." Kristin knew the voice and smiled as she looked up at Professor Schatch, who beamed down on her.

"Oh, Professor! Was it okay? "

"More than okay, my dear. You were sensational." It was then he noticed her blackening eye and bruised forehead. His smile turned into a frown and a concerned look replaced the one of approval.

"I was in a minor car accident on the way here this afternoon. That's why the concert was delayed for several minutes." She put her hand up and gingerly touched the swollen and blackening eye.

"Are you all right now?"

"I think so. I'm beginning to have a decided headache. I think some aspirin will take care of it, though."

Jessica strolled up and her expression was softer than Kristin had ever seen it. The woman usually had a hard, disapproving look for most people.

"I appreciate your effort today," she said. "I know it wasn't easy filling in on such short notice. Also, the accident didn't help matters much, I'm sure. How're you feeling?"

There was genuine concern in her voice and Kristin knew Jessica must be feeling relieved, now that the concert was over. She isn't the only one.

"I was just telling Professor Schatch that I have a headache. Otherwise I think I'm okay."

Jessica turned to the professor and said, "Oh, you're Professor Schatch. It is so good to finally meet you. David has mentioned you many times."

"I didn't know you two hadn't met," Kristin said. "Professor, this is Jessica Smith, David's manager."

There was a glint of admiration in the gentleman's eyes as he acknowledged the introduction.

"We've spoken on the phone. It's good to finally meet you in person." He took her proffered hand and shook it. "Perhaps we can get acquainted a little upstairs at the reception."

"Of course," Jessica answered.

Kristin sensed something going on with the two of them, by the sound of their voices and the expression on their faces. Oh, ho. I think they are attracted to each other.

It had never occurred to her that Professor Schatch was a small man. He was several inches taller than she, but then nearly everyone was. Standing with Jessica his head was exactly even with hers. His blonde hair was shot through with silver and hung nearly to his shoulders. His upper lip sported a small, nearly invisible mustache. He looked quite dapper in a dark brown suit, pale yellow shirt with a matching brown paisley bow tie.

"Shall we go to the reception?" he asked.

"You and Jessica go on," Kristin said. "I'm going to try to find some aspirin somewhere."

"Oh! I have some in my purse," Jessica said. She produced a small bottle of aspirin and gave it to Kristin. "Just keep them. I have more back at the hotel."

"Thanks. I'll go down to the lounge and take a couple. I may rest a few minutes before I come up."

"Very well, if you're sure you'll be okay," Professor Schatch said.

"I'm sure.

Kristin descended the familiar steps to the lounge and went to the small kitchen for a glass of water. She shook a couple of aspirin into the palm of her hand and popped them in her mouth, followed by a full glass of water. As she swallowed the medicine a slightly dizzy feeling came over her; she shrugged her shoulders and took another aspirin. With this grandaddy of a headache I'm sure it will take three to even phase it.

She passed the couch, picked up her coat, which David had placed over the back and started to the door. She stopped a minute, looked at the couch longingly and sat down. I think I'll just lie down a few minutes and give the medicine a chance to take effect before I go upstairs.

As she stretched out, with her warm coat over her and her head resting on a small decorative pillow, her eyes felt like the lashes were tipped with lead weights. A small sigh escaped her lips as she thought, Did David kiss me? Or was I dreaming? I seem to remember him kissing me while he was pressing that cool towel to my head. H- m-m.

***

David was surrounded by a flotilla of adoring fans, most of them women. He tried gradually to move them and himself to the door, but was having little success when Mrs. Stillman appeared. The crowd parted to let her through. Her bearing was such that no one questioned her right to break through their ranks.

He smiled in recognition, admiring her take-charge personality and the way she looked. She wore her thick gray hair pulled up high in an intricate chignon, with an elaborate jeweled comb holding the shining mass in place. Her make-up emphasized her flawless, wrinkle-free complexion. The gown she was wearing was the exact color of her hair, and a single strand of exquisite pearls with matching ear rings were the only accessories.

"Mrs. Stillman, it's good to see you," he said.

"I'm glad the concert went so well. It was impressive and a complete success in spite of the obstacles all of you had to overcome," she answered.

"Kristin came through like a real trooper. She is a gifted pianist, and I was fortunate she could come on such short notice." David stopped himself as he caught a bemused look on Mrs. Stillman's face.

"You're surprised that we have such impressive talent here in our hick town?" she asked, but her tone was teasing.

He was a little embarrassed because Mrs. Stillman seemed to read his mind. He had been skeptical of finding someone who was even moderately capable of playing his accompaniments, and was completely surprised to find anyone as well trained as Kristin. "A little," he said. "But I'm more surprised that a woman as young as Kristin could be such a well-developed musician. She never missed a beat or a cue."

"Oh! Kristin is our pride and joy. We expect great things of her in the future. Now let's see what we can do about getting you on to the hall," she said, turning to smile at the crowd of people. "Now, folks, would you all be so good as to go on up to the hall and I'll see that Mr. Chabrier is up there soon. You will all get a chance to speak to him, secure autographs, and have a little refreshment."

The people dispersed into pairs and trios, and slowly moved toward the door. Mrs. Stillman quietly slipped her hand over David's arm and smiled at him. She was a tall woman, so her height allowed her to look directly into his face.

"Would you like to freshen up a bit before going upstairs?" she asked.

"No, but thanks for rescuing me. I don't know where Jessica is; she was taking care of the crowd a short time ago."

"I saw her going up the stairs with Professor Schatch. They were having quite a nice chat. I guess she thought you were managing on your own."

"I don't manage this part well. I'm grateful for their attention, you know, but so many at once are a bit overwhelming."

"I'm sure. I have a table set up for you. That way you can be comfortable and have a bit of refreshments as you greet your worshiping fans."

"Great."

They gradually walked to the elevator and was quickly whisked to the hall where, as promised, a table had been placed in a central location against one wall with a comfortable chair behind it. There was a tray of sandwiches, cakes and cookies as well as a pitcher of spiced punch. She poured punch into a cup, and placed it and a small plate of treats in front of him.

"I think I've held the fans off about as long as possible. Can you sip a little punch while you visit?"

"Sure thing. I do it all of the time. Thanks again for your help. Bring them on." He smiled at her and was rewarded by a faint tinge of pink in her cheeks, giving his morale a lift. He was used to women responding to his charms and, while he admired Mrs. Stillman, his ego had been a little bruised by her detachment. Now things were more as they should be.

His hand began to cramp after about an hour of signing autographs and he was beginning to fume because Jessica was no where in sight. She didn't always accompany him on his concerts, but when she did he felt her place was with him running interference for him. Also, he was vaguely aware of not seeing Kristin for quite a while. In fact he couldn't remember seeing her since they had finished the concert, when he had seen Professor Schatch talking to her back-stage.

He smiled at the shy young woman whose program was held out to him for an autograph and then looked around for Jessica. She was sitting in a corner head-to-head with the good professor. David quickly finished signing autographs for the last few people waiting in line, and hauled himself up out of the chair and strolled over to where Jessica was sitting.

"I see you two have met," he said, with a decided bite in his voice.

"Yes, Kristin introduced us. Is something wrong? You sound a bit out of sorts."

"I could have used a little help back there. Where've you been?"

"I've been here most of the time. Professor Schatch and I have been getting acquainted, and I needed to rest. It's been a harrowing three days, you know?" she snapped. It was clear from her tone of voice that she didn't intend to be intimidated.

"I've been getting some inside information, from Jessica, about your future concerts," said Professor Schatch. "It looks like you're going to be a very busy man for a while."

"H-m-m, yes. Things are going quite well these days." He turned and surveyed the room for a few minutes and then turned back. "Have you seen Kristin around?"

"Not since we were backstage, come to think of it," Jessica answered.

"That's been nearly two hours."

"I guess it has. She said she was coming on up as soon as she took some aspirin. The last time I saw her she was going downstairs. Why are you so upset? She knows how to take care of herself."

"I expect so unless she's suffering some delayed effects of the accident."

"She might have gone on home," Professor Schatch offered.

David frowned at this indifference. He knew a sudden, strong sense of anxiety about Kristin and didn't wait to hear more, but went for the center exit from the hall. The crowd had thinned, but he still had to brush people aside to make his way to the door. He looked at the elevator a second and then decided to take the steps which he negotiated two at a time. In spite of the luxurious area where the Celebrity Lounge was located this section of the building was eerily quiet and appeared to be completely deserted. He yanked open the lounge door without knocking and stopped dead still.

Kristin was lying on the couch with her coat draped over her legs, hair tumbled out of its pins, and one graceful arm dangling off the edge. She was sound asleep.

He stood and looked at her for a few seconds. He was torn between anxiety and enjoyment of what he saw. She is so beautiful. I've known many beauties, but she has a special kind of loveliness that defies description. She looks childish, but at the same time is as sexy as any voluptuous woman.

Apprehension soon overcame all other feelings and he gently touched her. He knew if she were merely sleeping she was probably fine, but if she had fainted from the blow on her head that was another thing entirely.

He sat on the couch and then reached under her shoulders to prop her up against his chest. She sighed softly, fluttered her eyelids a little and settled against him, resisting having her sleep disturbed.

"Kristin," he said as he shook her a little. "Kristin, wake up!"

"Huh?"

"Kristin, it's David. Hey, wake up."

She struggled to open her eyes. Her left eye was almost swollen shut but she opened the other, and looked around in bewilderment. "You're supposed to be up in Meinders Hall of Mirrors. What are you doing here?"

"I've been in the hall. For about two hours, in fact," he answered, pulling her closer.

"Oh! I've got to go up there. I laid down to let the aspirin work and must have fallen asleep."

"It's a bit late now. Most of the people are gone," he said.

Kristin felt his strong arms about her, and could smell his masculine cologne along with a faint scent of soap. She sighed a little and started to burrow her face into his chest when she finally completely awoke to where she was and what he was doing.

"Gone! What do you mean, 'gone'?"

"I mean the reception is over -- you've missed all the glorious excitement." His voice had that slightly superior sound that she had begun to associate with him.

"That's okay. I don't care. It's your show anyhow. I didn't need to be there."

"Maybe not, but being down here in this deserted area isn't very smart."

She pulled away from him and stood up. "It wasn't deserted when I came down here."

Jessica and Professor Schatch appeared in the room, interrupting them.

"Is there something wrong?" Jessica asked.

"Kristin, are you okay?" Professor Schatch asked with an anxious tone of voice.

"Yes! yes I'm okay." she answered irritably. "I fell asleep. I guess I was just tired after all the things that have happened the last few days. Just go on home. I'll be fine."

"Still, maybe we should take you to the hospital and check out that blow on your head," David said.

Kristin thought she just might inflict a blow on his handsome head if he didn't quit insisting that she was an invalid.

"You know, Mr. Chabrier, you're beginning to sound like my big brother, who is about to become a doctor, and he's a complete pain in the neck," she snapped.

"The doctor who examined you before the concert said if you fainted again he would need to see if your injury was serious." David's voice had grown to a near shout.

"I did not faint. I went to sleep. Right now I simply want to go home and change into some comfortable clothes and forget this whole, hateful day."

"Sounds like a good idea to me," Jessica said.

"Fine. Let's go upstairs and I'll call a cab. My car is in a ditch by the off ramp -- that is if it hasn't been towed away by the police," Kristin said.

"I'll take you home," Professor Schatch said.

"I'll see that she gets home," David said. "If you'll see that Jessica gets back to the hotel. The limousine should be outside about now and Kristin can stretch out and rest on the way home."

"Suits me. I'll get my car, Jessica," Professor Schatch said. "You can help David get Kristin into the limo."

"You know, one more smother-brother remark from any of you and I am going to call a taxi and get myself home. You'd think I had become deaf, blind and dumb all of a sudden the way all of you are behaving. I simply got a little bump on the head. I'm a little tired after a weekend of hard work and then a small accident. I'm fine. Do you understand? I'm fine." She flounced from the room, pulling on her coat as she headed for the elevator.

David caught up with her near as she punched the up button and touched her elbow. "Are you sure you're not a red-head in disguise?" He asked with a teasing twinkle in his eyes. She turned when she heard his voice. She looked up, way up, into his chocolate colored eyes. She was not immune to their teasing interest. She felt a lurch in the vicinity of her heart, and a disturbing heating in her lower extremities, but quickly ordered her traitorous body to behave itself.

"If I had beautiful red hair like my mother's, I can promise you I wouldn't bleach it."

"So -- your mother's a redhead?"

"Yes, but what's that got to do with anything?"

"Nothing. I just like to see your eyes flash. They do lose a little of their impact with that glorious shiner you're sporting, though."

"I guess it looks pretty terrible, doesn't it?" She put her hand up to touch the tender spot.

"Yes, it looks awful." David answered flatly. He studied her thoughtfully and then reached out and softly stroked her cheek with the tip of two fingers. The touch sent shivers through Kristin as though she felt a chill.

"It probably looks worse than it feels, and my head has quit aching."

Jessica was walking a few steps behind them and as they reached the top of the stairs she hurried around them and went quickly to the outside door, arriving just as the professor pulled up to the curb in his smart little sports car. He was at the passenger side before she reached the bottom step.

As David had promised, a shiny black limousine waited for him. The driver got out as he saw David come down the steps, and moved to open the door.

"We need to take Miss Lehman home, Jeff. Will that interfere with your schedule?"

"No, sir. I'm with you for the rest of the evening."

"Kristin, would you like to go to dinner somewhere before we go home? You didn't even get upstairs for snacks and punch."

"No, thanks. I'm ready to go home. It has been a very long, tiring day."

"That it has."

She gave the driver her address and then settled back into the soft cushions. Her stomach growled, reminding her she hadn't eaten since early in the day and it was well past eight p.m. Nevertheless, she didn't want to go into a restaurant with her disheveled hair and a shiner, which would have made the local thugs envious.

"You can drop me off and be back at the hotel in time to have dinner with Jessica and Professor Schatch."

"H-m-m," was David's reply.

It didn't take long for the skillful driver to arrive at her apartment. He opened the door on Kristin's side of the car and to her surprise David followed her out, and took her elbow in his palm to escort her to the door. The warm hand on her flesh had the effect of being touched by an electrically charged wire. She fumbled for her key and turned to say goodbye. He stood there like a bashful schoolboy, obviously reluctant to leave.

"I'd like to come in for a minute. I want to be sure you're okay."

"Have you decided to take me on as a project of some kind?" She looked up at him quizzically.

"Now there's an idea that will bear exploring." He raised his left eyebrow and a wolfish gleam came into his eyes. Then he grinned and Kristin relaxed. She was beginning to understand that he could be a first class tease -- a lot like her brother, but some of the feelings she was having about David were certainly not sisterly.

"I'm weary, my house is a wreck and I'm okay, but if you can overlook the bad housekeeping of a lady bachelor, well, be my guest." With a sweep of her hand she ushered him into her home.

The first thing to meet his eyes was a beautiful grand piano, which was nearly obliterated by music and other papers. A dried up sandwich was reposing near the keyboard, a coffee cup with a muddy looking scum and a soft drink can were teetering precariously on the edge of the closed lid. The silent piano was host to a box of tissue, a scarf and a pair of bright red gloves.

The next thing to greet David was Yon. He waddled into the room, in what was his version of bounding, and over to Kristin. She gathered him up in her arms and hugged him, then set him back on the floor to introduce David.

"David, this is Johann, better know as Yon."

Yon gave David his most scrutinizing stare, gave a little doggy smile, sat back on his short hind legs and solemnly offered his paw for a friendly handshake.

David bent over and with mock formality took Yon's paw and shook it. "How do you do, Yon. I haven't heard about you. I guess you are the one who keeps watch over this young lady."

The formalities over, Yon turned to Kristin with questions in his eyes.

"You want outside, baby?"

Yon knew the word 'outside' and wagged the entire back half of his body as an affirmative. She let him out the side door and then turned back to give David a friendly smile.

"You're absolutely the only person who has seen Yon for the first time who hasn't said 'what an ugly dog.' Thanks for that."

"Oh, well. You know the saying 'love me, love my dog.' I don't want to wear out my welcome before I'm even sure there is one."

"You don't think he's ugly, then?"

"He looks smart. I can see that at a glance," David said, avoiding a direct answer of his opinion of Yon's appearance.

"Yes he's smart, and he's the sweetest pet anyone could ever want." She heard Yon scratch on the door and opened it for him. "As you can see, I'm fine so it isn't necessary for you to stay."

Instead of leaving to go he simply pushed aside some books and plopped down on the couch. His presence completed the filled the overcrowded room. With him on the couch, and the piano stacked high with debris, it was fortunate that Yon hugged the floor so close. Otherwise there would have been little room for him.

Kristin was at a loss to know what to do with David. Anywhere he went he seemed to be a presence. He stretched his long legs out accounting for most of the floor space in that area.

"I'm in no hurry," he answered. "I can see you're feeling fine, but you still haven't eaten, have you?"

"No, but I'm not hungry."

"Let's order a pizza. I'm hungry. Those little sandwiches were only appetizers. Do you have a good pizza place that delivers."

"Of course, but you have that long car and its driver waiting for you out front. What about him?"

"I'll get rid of him. Okay?"

"I suppose." Kristin was a little worried about what David had in mind. If he thinks he's going to get into my bed, he's in for a surprise. And then the thought of him holding her in his arms and taking her to bed was such a happy one that she immediately ordered her mind to behave itself.

"I know a good pizza place. What do you like?"

He told her what he wanted and the kind of drink he preferred. She began to clear off the table, and realized she was teetering around on her heels and was sure she looked ridiculous in her formal gown, black eye and disheveled hair.

"U-m, 'scuse me while I go change -- " she started to say "into something more comfortable" and thought better of it. It was certainly a cliche, but she was sure he had enough sense of mischief that he wouldn't let it pass. "I need to get into something more sensible."

He unfolded himself from the couch and started prowling the room. He noted several plaques of recognition for outstanding piano events, a bust of Brahms, several framed pictures of other composers and three impressionist paintings that appeared to be originals. He picked up Kristin's music. There were two large books of Chopin, a stack of assorted Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. The three "B's" he thought. That she was a serious pianist was evident. He began to remember snatches of conversation about it being unusual for her to accompany him at the concert, and he was overcome with curiosity to know more about her.

He admitted to himself that she attracted him for more than her mind and musical ability; now he wanted to discover what made her tick. What was there about her that even a black eye didn't diminish? It certainly wasn't blatant sex appeal. He'd seen a lot of that and was no more or less, susceptible than any other healthy young man. There was something about Kristin that brought out the cave man, as well as knight in shining armor, lying just beneath the surface. He wanted to slay dragons for her and protect her from the harsh realities of the world. That she felt no need to have dragons slain or of rescue by a knight in shining armor was evident in her attitude, but that didn't diminish his feelings.

She came back into the room dressed in a bright red, long-sleeved sweatshirt that hung well below her hips. Underneath she was wearing a pair of faded jeans. All of the make-up had been washed from her face and her hair freshly brushed. The thick, golden mass was secured in a large, red band at the back of her head. She looked so young that David was a little ashamed of his feelings for her. He felt like a roue`.

"I'm getting ready for a Chopin concert," she volunteered when she saw the book he was holding.

"How in the world did you get so far in music so early in life? Are you a child prodigy?"

"How old do you think I am?"

"Oh, right now you look about fifteen, but I know that can't be -- so I'd say about twenty."

"I'm twenty-six, just last month in fact."

He turned and placed the book on the piano. He lifted his shoulders and sighed and allowed himself to relax. That made her only a few years younger than himself, and was relieved his feelings for her were not so far out of line after all. His thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of the pizza.

She gathered up the half-eaten sandwich and cup from the piano as she went through the room. The fragrant smell of the pizza alerted both of their appetites. Soon the small table was cleared of everything but the large pizza box and drinks. They each helped themselves to a wedge and ate hungrily for a few minutes.

David had taken off his coat and tie and unfastened the two top buttons of his shirt. His shoes were by the couch in the living room. His legs were having trouble finding a place under the small table so he turned sideways and slid down in his chair like a teenager, looking totally relaxed.

"I'll bet there are several women who would trade places with me in a wink."

"Why do you say that?"

"The great David Charbrier." Her voice had a faint mocking lilt to it. "You are a celebrity."

"Yes, I suppose. Somehow, I don't think that impresses you much, does it?"

"I don't think so. Should it?"

"Maybe. Do you think you would be more impressed if I were a celebrated pianist instead of a singer?"

"Perhaps, if you were someone like Horowitz. You know he was so glorious. I think I would have been awestruck just to meet him."

"So would I. You don't find a performer of his caliber in many lifetimes."

A comfortable silence followed for a few minutes. David looked at Kristin and felt his whole body tighten. His comfort was certainly being compromised by her nearness. She put a dainty finger in her mouth and licked sauce off it and then ran her pink tongue around her lips to clear them of food. He knew she was unaware of how sexual the gestures were, but they were definitely not improving his peace of mind.

"Kristin, come to Tulsa with me," David said.

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