WindSwept Narrows: #7 Francine Kendall

By Karen Diroll-Nichols

Abby Murray worked to maintain her professional demeanor as she escorted the new manager around, showing him the locations and introducing him to various heads of departments.

Donovan Banner looked at the woman dart past them for the second time since they began their tour. He glanced over at Abby only to find her staring straight ahead, chewing on her lip.

“This is the play care and learning center,” Abby picked up once they exited the long hall. “Eve Hastings Covington is the Director, that’s her on the floor there. You have some very good directors and base line managers.”

“And the tornado in the blue gown that keeps running past us?”

“I was really hoping you wouldn’t ask me that question,” Abby pursed her lips. “However...Francine Kendall...”

“Let’s start with what department she works for,” Donovan decided to go with a line of questions instead of waiting for her explanation.

“Well, she doesn’t work for the resort,” Abby said carefully. “She’s more of what you might call an outside vendor...partially for the resort and partially for the health center. At least for the moment. We’re working on a contract type thing with her now.”

“Alright. Like a pizza delivery person?”

“Pretty much,” though she sounded less than confident with the answer.

“I think I can manage, Abby. I can find my way back to my office and if I need anything, I have your number,” Donovan saw the doubt on her face, but she nodded and stopped walking with him. “I’m badged and people know I’m in the building. You told me the memo went out. No one in what’s designated my new department should be surprised. Thanks for the tour.”

Abby smiled and left him to go back to her office.

Donovan spent an hour talking with Eve about her department, nodding and satisfied with her answers, he was striding toward the cafeteria when he saw the flying long skirts of the blonde come moving at a fast clip in front of him. She made a move to go around him with a vague smile when he altered both their courses deliberately, stepping directly into her path. There wasn’t time for her to swerve, the surprise evident in the wide green eyes when she crashed into him.

He had prepared himself for the collusion, his hands up and catching her firmly at the waist, holding her solidly in place.

“Oh! I am so sorry!” She peered up the five inches or so into a pair of blue eyes, full lips and a firm jaw that seemed a little tense.

“Donovan Banner,” he said as he set her carefully back on the floor a few steps, his palm out politely.

“Oh,” she stared at his palm, her own up and shaking his hand firmly. “Francine Kendall. Excuse me...”

Donovan stepped into her path again, a frown pulling her full lips into a pucker. “Are you authorized to be here? I don’t see a badge telling me what department you’re assigned to.”

“Badge?” Francine looked from his and then down at her chest. She reached up and pulled the photo identification from the bodice of the dress she wore. “This? Got one. That’s me...now...if you’ll excuse me...”

Donovan stared after the bare foot figure dashing down the hall and around the corner, long blonde hair flying behind her. He knows his mouth opened to say something. To stop her. But nothing came out and then she was gone, leaving the scent of flowers in her wake.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Karen Diroll-Nichols
• Release date: Mar 3, 2012
• ISBN: 9781465932082

Karen Diroll-Nichols

At this time books are on AllRomanceebooks.com or smashwords.com or amazon.com. I write what I dream. I dream because I can't always be or do. And I always write to make people think and laugh and feel. I hope I succeed. I've been creating what I believe we're all in search of. Friendships and romance; communication and pure, simple fun. Throw in some misadventures and misunderstandings, not to mention a few not quite truths, and it should be a roller coaster of laughs, tears and thoughts. WindSwept Narrows Resort & Casino - Modern, contemporary romance with the occasional mystery and usually lots of family issues. They're building a community that's not greed based, but on the well-being of all. Hopefully. Yes, there's lots of romance - sometimes more than one per story. Yes, there's really sensual and sexy scenes. Devil Hills is a town between Seattle and Spokane, on the edge of the snow capped mountains on the Seattle side. It's a shifter town...and a few others. And of course, just like our world, there are those who believe they know what's best for everyone. Yep, lots of sex, arguments and laughter. Typical human mistakes and misunderstandings - but with a little fur thrown in to complicate things. Independence: Bailey is the first entry into this series that should fascinate and intrigue...what happens in a life when a little Dom and D/s are thrown into it. Definitely NOT for the faint of heart...but it'll make you laugh and maybe even identify. Breanna...slightly more spicy with 2 smart, caring guys falling for 1 slightly mixed up barista who makes wicked coffee and loves cooking. While I haven't a series name - there is a follow-up to her coming out before the end of the year, Danea...a fishy little tale on the coast of Washington. A Red Crystal Romance - well...what to say...imagine believing you're at the end of your life. You live in a retirement home. You're alone. The past in your memories and just fatigue in your bones. You visit a small metaphysical shop, buy some candles that smell good and are offered a chance to fish in a caldron of crystals. Free and for good luck. When you wake in the morning...nothing will ever be the same again. Yes, some of my stories have more than one romance in it. Because it's not a bad thing to have friends *************** A bio - wow - I live to the South of Seattle along the coast in a small town called Des Moines. Gorgeous Puget Sound as our backyard, with snow capped mountains in almost all directions. I've been writing for over 20 years and in that time I have noticed how hard it is for certain people to embrace their sexuality, and very very few have the backbone to even discuss it! I think sex is a very important attribute to our lives and is necessary in order to live a balanced, happy and healthy lifestyle. It exists for exploration and simulation; it exists for bonding and pure, simple happiness at the whirlwind of sensations that can overwhelm and take your breath away. I hope that my stories simply depict that, ignite the fires within and maybe even give some pointers on how to please your partner in some new exciting ways. Bottom line: they are here for enjoyment. So read, enjoy and live the happy healthy lives we are all meant to live. Now - a dedication: I can't say I grew up with anyone encouraging me, and that's fine, they had things in their life they were dealing with. My parents and 1st husband and current in-law said it was 'a nice little hobby'. When you get that kind of reaction from people who matter, it has the effect that you no longer tell anyone. And no one ever asked what I did for hours on end over a typewriter and then VIOLA! a computer keyboard! So no one knew. Until I met and fell in love with my 2nd husband. He found the large file cabinet filled with thick manuscripts, filed in alphabetical order by lead female name. And he talked to me about writing. My writing. The single thing in my life aside from my two grown children, that I adored and cherished. They became my community; my friends. It's an amazing thing what happens when someone believes in you. Maybe it rubs off and you begin to believe in yourself, too. So everything I've created and set free on the internet to share are thanks to him and his belief and love. He helps me with words I know but that are stuck in my head floating around somewhere; he helps me spot gaps in my stories and we bounce ideas off one another for covers for my girls. He encourages me and has also come to learn some interesting traits about himself that he'd submerged because of a bad relationship. So we've grown together and continue to explore all that we can. He has my love and my heart and my gratitude for sharing a little of his courage and belief. Email: [e-mail] Website: http://www.facebook.com

Book preview

Francine Kendall

WindSwept Narrows

Book Seven

Karen A. Nichols

Copyright 2011 by Karen A. Nichols

Smashwords Edition

Published by Karen Nichols. Copyright, Karen Nichols. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without express written permission from the author.

This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One

Abby Murray worked to maintain her professional demeanor as she escorted the new manager around, showing him the locations and introducing him to various heads of departments.

Donovan Banner looked at the woman dart past them for the second time since they began their tour. He glanced over at Abby only to find her staring straight ahead, chewing on her lip.

This is the play care and learning center, Abby picked up once they exited the long hall. Eve Hastings Covington is the Director, that’s her on the floor there. You have some very good directors and base line managers.

Can you explain the tornado in the blue gown that keeps running past us?

I was really hoping you wouldn’t ask me that question, Abby pursed her lips. However…Francine Kendall…

Let’s start with what department she works for, Donovan decided to go with a line of questions instead of waiting for her explanation.

Well, she doesn’t work for the resort, Abby said carefully. She’s more of what you might call an outside vendor…partially for the resort and partially for the health center. At least for the moment. We’re working on a contract type thing with her now. It’s almost complete. Frannie’s not difficult. The paperwork is with our attorney and the medical board for the hospital and should be finalized next week.

Alright. Like a pizza delivery person?

Pretty much, though she sounded less than confident with the answer.

I think I can manage, Abby. I can find my way back to my office and if I need anything, I have your number, Donovan saw the doubt on her face, but she nodded and stopped walking with him. I’m badged and people know I’m in the building. You told me the memo went out. No one in what’s designated my new department should be surprised. Thanks for the tour.

Abby smiled and left him to go back to her office.

Donovan spent an hour talking with Eve about her department, nodding and satisfied with her answers, he was striding toward the cafeteria when he saw the flying long skirts of the blonde come moving at a fast clip in front of him. She made a move to go around him with a vague smile when he altered both their courses deliberately, stepping directly into her path. There wasn’t time for her to swerve, the surprise evident in the wide green eyes when she crashed into him.

He had prepared himself for the collusion, his hands up and catching her firmly at the waist, holding her solidly in place.

Oh! I am so sorry! She peered up the five inches or so into a pair of blue eyes, full lips and a firm jaw that seemed a little tense. How very odd. I’ve never done that before.

Donovan Banner, he said as he set her carefully back on the floor a few steps, his palm out politely.

Oh, she stared at his palm, her own up and shaking his hand firmly, her smile bright and friendly. Francine Kendall. Excuse me…

Donovan stepped into her path again, a frown pulling her full lips into a pucker. Are you authorized to be here? I don’t see a badge telling me what department you’re assigned to.

Badge? Francine looked from his and then down at her chest. She reached up and pulled the photo identification from the bodice of the dress she wore. This? Got one. That’s me…now…if you’ll excuse me… She quickly tucked the badge back into the top of her dress and smiled at him.

Donovan stared after the bare foot figure dashing down the hall and around the corner, long blond hair flying behind her. He knows his mouth opened to say something. To stop her. But nothing came out and then she was gone, leaving the scent of flowers in her wake.

****

Mac carried his tray to the table where Donovan sat peering out one of the large windows. Want some company? How’s your first week coming along? He set his food down and sunk into a chair when Donovan waved his palm.

The food is fantastic, he complimented, hungrily eating the harvest vegetables and Italian sausages. The layout is incredible. Logan showed me around a little when I interviewed, but this is like a contained, small town. I’m learning my way around. You guys have built the start of a big revolution here.

Thanks…we believe it’s way past time, Mac said honestly. Any questions? Stuff I can help with?

Her. He nodded to the blonde that moved quietly through the line selecting food.

Ahh…Frannie…

Alright…that’s three of you now…I’m starting to think she’s a mythical character with a badge for clearance, Donovan ground out in frustration. No one seems to be able to actually explain her.

Frannie is Sam’s cousin, Mac began slowly. She is associated with the health center, more than the resort. However, because of her specialties, she has clients because of the resort. And she’s brought a lot of customers to the resort because they’re her clients. Does that make sense?

What the hell does she do? And why isn’t she wearing shoes?

Frannie is an herbalist and holistic medicine practitioner. The shoes thing…she has a tendency to take them off when she’s working and forgets where she leaves them, Mac explained cautiously. She’s also a massage therapist and works out of the spa on occasion. I also know she has a bad habit of forgetting travel time and puts her appointments too close together. Hence, the running.

Alright. Thank you.

Lose your shoes again, Frannie? Mac asked as she moved past them to the far corner of the cafeteria.

Did I? She looked down with an absent frown, a large cotton tote on her shoulder and plate of salad and bread on her tray. I think they’re in the play care. I’ll find them. I always have spares. She said firmly in a lilting soft voice.

Have you met the new manager, Frannie? Donovan Banner, Mac continued with his lunch.

Frannie looked at the man who had stood up, short blond hair and blue eyes, all neat and tidy suit and expression that was less than fun. She reached into her bodice, badge in her fingers.

Yes…badge…I’m authorized, she assured him quickly.

Have a seat, Frannie…you look hungry. Mac invited with a grin.

It’s been a busy morning, she admitted, lifting her fork and stabbing the mixed vegetables hungrily. I know Logan told me about the new manager. He said you have brilliant managerial skills. I’m not sure why he told me to avoid you for awhile, though. You look totally normal to me, she stared at him while he ate. Are you?

Am I normal? Donovan asked in disbelief.

Mac coughed and pushed away from the table. I’m back to work. Any problems or questions, feel free, Donovan. See you, Frannie.

Bye, Mac.

Thanks for the herbs, He added with a wave.

Hmm…oh, excuse me… Frannie sat back in the chair, turning to the side and bending to the floor, hands busy digging into her tote. Ah-hah! I knew I had them in here somewhere…you do know it’s perfectly alright to not be normal, Mr. Banner. I’m not even sure what normal is these days…perception and normalcy often times conflict and even overlap given the outlook of an individual.

Donovan watched her bend, the low front of her dress had a lacey gold edge that was straining as her hands worked to tie a pair of flat ballet type shoes in place.

Do you always dress like this? Donovan asked when she sat up and began eating.

You don’t like girls in dresses? She asked, blinking at him curiously, a slight frown creasing her lips as she looked down at the simple powder blue dress, the skirt stopped in the middle of her calves and had a nice flare. I’m sorry. Well, no, that’s wrong, if it’s your preference, of course I’ve nothing to be sorry about at all.

Donovan felt his mouth open and close. No, I…yes, I like…I meant it doesn’t project a professional image… His frown deepened as she simply smiled and continued eating.

You look exceptionally professional, Mr. Banner, she complimented politely. You were military, like Logan and some of the others, weren’t you? It’s a trifle puzzling that he would ask me to avoid you…don’t you find it puzzling?

I was…in the military, I mean. he answered, slightly surprised. How did you know? Good guess? As for avoiding me, he was probably trying to spare my sanity…

Crystal ball, she answered, the ever present smile tilting her lips. Have you been out long? You don’t look like the type that would run from something, Mr. Banner. Her eyes widened. Oh. You think Logan was trying to save you from me. How funny, she said with a grin.

A little over five years now.

Frannie sensed his reluctance to talk about it and nodded quietly. There are a lot of previous military working for the resort. It’s a mindset that doesn’t appeal to everyone, though. It amazes me how Abby sorts through the people that would work and enjoy the altruistic view and mission of the resort.

It helps when you have owners actively networking, Donovan agreed, unaware of the wince crossing his features.

You have a headache, Frannie said quietly, rising from her chair and moving behind him. And you don’t sleep well…

Crystal ball?

It’s in your eyes, Mr. Banner and on your features, she touched his temples lightly, massaging fingers making small circles that firmed steadily.

Miss Kendall, this is hardly… His head was nestled between her breasts, the one hour seminar he’d attended regarding sexual harassment coming instantly into his mind.

Stress? She asked, ignoring his protest and attempts to move. Please sit still…taking on a new position can easily be the cause of many stress related headaches…so much to learn and do… Her hands moved to the base of his skull. Add to that relocating…

After the department heads I’ve met today, I think this will be one of the less complex positions I’ve ever had, Donovan admitted, his attempt to turn his head halted when palms much stronger than they looked held him firmly in place. Really, I’m not comfortable with…

Shh… Frannie used her thumbs, stroking lightly over the column of his throat and back to his temples and just above his ears. You are tense…perhaps the move, the new job…a few different factors…you lived someplace below sea level before…and very dry…

Donovan felt his eyes narrow. I lived in the high desert. The climate here is quite a change… He stopped, realizing that the throbbing that had been plaguing him all morning was no longer there.

You need to drink more fluids…preferably water…your skin is very dry, Mr. Banner, it’s also why you’re blinking more than normal. Frannie collected her tray in one hand, the tote in the other. I’m glad you’re no longer in pain. Have a great day, she said with a backward wave, wandering off through the cafeteria.

Francine Kendall walked away shaking her head. She’d spent most of her life listening to people tell her she was behaving oddly. Then her choice of career further added to that in the realm of acceptable medicine. There were times she felt like a lynch mob was waiting to burn her at the stake. She sighed and went off to the health center, slipping an ear pod in place and humming softly.

Chapter Two

Two