One Stolen Night

By Peggy P Parsons

Having broken up with her high school sweetheart after graduation, Pamela Tate follows her dream of attending the University of Hawaii where she meets the legendary Robin, who steals more than her bruised heart. Years later they meet again when he's hired to work at the same insurance firm where she is an officer and the company Treasurer. He claims he wants to pursue a relationship. But Pam isn't interested. Despite her determination not to get involved with him or any man, they're thrown together, and her resistance begins to weaken--until she sees him with another woman in his arms.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597052504

Book preview

What They Are Saying About

One Stolen Night

One S tolen Night is a page turning story about Pam and Steven fated to meet and spend one night together. A night that will affect the ensuing years as each searches for happiness apart. Years later, fate gives them another chance at happiness, but first they will need to forgive past lies and have the faith that they were meant to be together forever.

—Cherrie Kimbrough

~Keepsakes~

~Rosewood~

LOVE DOESN’T FOLLOW smooth paths for Steven and Pam, especially since they both used false names the night they met, and Pam later believed he died. This intriguing tale holds the reader through all the ups and downs until love is at last realized by both Steven and Pam. The reader also is given an insight into the faith of the Latter Day Saints which has guided Pam’s life and helps her find peace for the one mistake she has made.

—Cherie Lee

Co-author/The Saga of Thundercloud and Dancing Star

Also President of West Valley Authors Association

God gave the wise men their wisdom

And to the poets their dreams

To Father and Mother their love for each other

But He left me out so it seems

I went around broken-hearted

Thinking life was an empty affair

But when God gave me you

It was then that I knew

He had given me more than my share

Author Unknown

One Stolen Night

Peggy P. Parsons

A Wings ePress, Inc.

Inspirational Romance Novel

Edited by: Gina Cadorette

Copy Edited by: Sara V. Olds

Senior Editor: Anita York

Executive Editor: Lorraine Stephens

Cover Artist: Pat Casey

All rights reserved

NAMES, CHARACTERS AND incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, organizations, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental and beyond the intent of the author or the publisher.

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 permission in writing from the publisher.

Wings ePress Books

Copyright © 2008 by Peggy P. Parsons

ISBN  978-1-59705-250-4

Published In the United States Of America

Wings ePress Inc.

3000 N. Rock Road

Newton, KS  67114

Dedication

This one is for my Mom, Nina T. Pace, who just turned 94. I’d also like to dedicate this story to my sisters, Kathy Crandall and Lorraine Andreason, and my two brothers, Jim and Dan Pace, along with my dear husband, William Parsons.

Prologue

University of Hawaii

November 18, 1959

The loud noise boomed like an explosion. Pam’s heart leapt half way up her throat as she jumped to her feet. What was that? she gasped.

I don’t know. Her cousin Carla yanked the door open.

College girls in all states of dress and undress were rushing into the hall, scrambling toward the crowded staircase. Pam and Carla dashed after them.

The two-story Hawaiian dormitory emptied in ninety seconds flat. Pam knew because she counted them. The fire drills had paid off.

Outside on the wide front lawn girls clustered in small groups, chattering like magpies, each flock trying to outdo the other until a shrill whistle pierced the early evening air.

The blabbering dimmed to a dull roar.

Don’t panic, girls, Dormy, their dorm mother, shouted. We’ll have the building inspected as soon as possible. Then we can all go back inside. She frowned her disapproval at a girl who wore nothing more than a white towel draped around her middle.

Glad she hadn’t been caught in the shower when the explosion occurred, Pam inhaled, trying to calm her racing heart. A hint of smoke tainted the exotic flower scented air as she sniffed, trying to identify the smell. Does anyone know what made the noise?

Firecrackers. Blonde-haired Carla nodded at a corner of the dorm where a group of young men crouched near the ground. A series of small bangs confirmed her conjecture.

Trust Carla to be the first to spy them, Pam thought as their high-spirited dorm mother stormed toward the culprits. But before she reached them, they jumped up and darted away.

A blasting horn scattered girls when a Greyhound bus careened around the corner, and screeched to a halt in front of the dorm. Horns, tambourines and noisemakers joined several more fire crackers as a stream of college boys piled out.

You’re all invited to Robin’s last luau, one young man shouted through a megaphone. On the beach, near Robin’s condo.

Robin. Robin. His name echoed through the female crowd. Half the girls sighed. Some nearly swooned. Others giggled. Robin was a legend. He had graduated from the University of Hawaii last year, and Pam doubted there was a girl on campus who hadn’t heard about him.

What is the meaning of this? The plump dorm mother stomped up behind the college boys, her hands planted on her ample hips that were covered by a bright red and yellow flowered mu mu.

Robin’s having a luau, one guy said.

My girls aren’t going.

Oh, yes they are, another guy boldly disagreed. And so are you.

Dormy’s posture turned as stiff and rigid as a wood-carved giraffe Pam had once seen at Salt Lake’s Hogle Zoo. No, they’re not. And I insist that you leave. Right now.

Uncowed by her protest, four guys scooped her off her feet and carted her unceremoniously to the bus where they shut the door and stood guard to prevent her escape.

Why do you think they picked our dorm? Pam asked.

Carla laughed. Maybe because the prettiest girls live here.

Her cousin’s laughter warmed Pam’s heart. Carla had little joy in her life. Even so, she had been trying to convince Pam to date. But Pam was stuck on her former boyfriend. They had broken up five months ago on her eighteenth birthday. And today was his nineteenth. She tried hard not to wonder what he was doing, how he was celebrating, if he had another girlfriend.

I think we should go to the luau, Carla said.

Pam forced a smile. She had to stop thinking about Steve. I think we should too.

Carla’s hazel eyes rounded in disbelief. Are you sure?

When Pam nodded Carla grinned. It’ll be fun.

I hope so. Pam laughed, trying to dredge up some enthusiasm.

Don your swimsuits and grab some towels, girls, the young man with the megaphone yelled. We mustn’t keep Robin waiting.

The bus driver tooted his horn.

Five minutes, girls, the megaphone guy shouted. The bus leaves in five minutes.

Do we dare go back inside the dorm? Pam asked.

A guy nearby relayed her question to the one holding the megaphone. The dorm’s safe, he boomed. Some guys set off firecrackers to empty it so you’d all hear about Robin’s last shin-dig. Your dorm mother’s coming with us, and we’ll have you back before curfew.

Amid squeals of excitement, girls dashed back inside the dormitory, Pam and Carla included.

And before Pam had time to regret her decision, they were on their way to the beach.

Seated beside Carla on the bus, Pam gathered her long black hair back into a ponytail, and secured it with a rubber band before she asked, Are you sure you want to go to Robin’s luau? We could do something else tonight.

I want to see Robin, Carla said. Don’t you?

Yeah, I guess.

I think there’s safety in numbers, but let’s use our middle names.

Great idea, Pam agreed, convinced that wouldn’t be outright lying. Carla had good reason not to want her identity known. Three years ago she had been kidnapped and raped. The news had made national headlines, and resulted in her family’s move from Utah to Spokane. And since they shared the same last name, Pam now used hers only when necessary.

As the bus wound its way through the narrow Hawaiian streets, Pam studied her dorm sisters. Speculation about the lucky girl Robin would choose to bestow his charms on tonight fueled their conversations. Most knew the verse about him by heart.

One glance at Robin’s blue eyes

Girls turn foolish, weak unwise

His lips taste delicious, his arms feel like heaven

He hypnotizes before you can count to seven

So beware young girls whatever your name

If Rob robs your virtue, you’ll never be the same.

Pam had never met anyone with his kind of wicked fame. Having grown up in Utah, she had lived a sheltered life. Still, she wondered if Robin deserved his wild reputation.

Tightening her grip on her beach bag when it started to slip, Pam reflected on her life. She loved her church with all her heart, although it stood between her and her ex-boyfriend. Steve wasn’t a member, but he had often attended meetings with her brother. They were best friends, and Pam had always believed that some day Steve would embrace her religious beliefs and join her church. But a few days after they graduated from high school, she discovered his mother had other ideas. She had insisted that Steve stop dating her.

Pam swallowed to moisten her aching throat. Today was the first time in eight years that she hadn’t given him a birthday card and gift. Breaking up still hurt so much she wondered if she’d ever feel whole again. When Steve walked away, he had taken part of her soul with him, and she didn’t know how to reclaim it. Sometimes she didn’t even know if she wanted it back. Too bad she couldn’t find something to numb her brain so she’d stop thinking about him.

Carla nudged her. You look gloomy. I know today is Steve’s birthday, but you need to forget him.

I wish I could.

Tell you what, if we don’t have fun tonight, we can both swear off men, and live together for the rest of our lives.

Pam laughed. That idea holds a lot of appeal.

After the bus driver parked and opened the door, girls filed out. From their noisy chatter, Pam deduced they were all eager to see Robin. A now smiling Dormy, apparently charmed by her self-appointed guards, led the way to the beach.

The luau was in full swing. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that when Robin planned a party, he didn’t spare the details. A dozen gas lanterns attached to tall posts lit up a huge portion of the dark beach. Their small flames swayed in the balmy breeze, lending a festive atmosphere. Laughter, live music, and two long linen-covered tables topped with appetizing food made the luau look like a feast fit for a Hollywood bash.

I wonder why this is Robin’s last party, Pam said while they waited in line.

He’s leaving Hawaii, Belinda, a dorm sister said. I heard he sold the family condo.

Have you seen him? Pam asked, not sure why she was so curious. The pithy stories must have gotten to her.

Yes. Belinda smiled. I danced with him last year.

What’s he like? Carla asked.

Good looking enough to be a movie star, Belinda said, dreamy eyed. Like the verse indicates, one touch can knock your shoes off and curl your toenails. He’s divine. Too gorgeous to describe.

Pam doubted that. During the three months she’d been in Hawaii, she’d heard Robin described time and again—tall, dark and handsome with wavy black hair, silver-tinted blue eyes and a smile that could charm your grandmother while it melted your insides. But she preferred blond-haired men, like Steve, not dark-haired ones with wild reputations.

Hey, look at Dormy, Carla said, nudging Pam.

The four guys who had forced the dorm mother onto the bus led her to the front of the food line, and Dormy was blushing like a schoolgirl. Not only had they calmed her down, they had apparently convinced her the luau wouldn’t harm her girls.

I heard the pork is succulent and to die for, Pam said, staring at the roasted pig with a cooked apple stuffed between its open jaw. But the poi isn’t much to brag about.

Belinda made a face. Poi tastes like wall paper paste. Trust me, I’ve tasted both. She arched up on her toes, craning her neck to stare ahead.

Who are you looking for? Carla asked.

Our host, Belinda said before she started to fill her plate.

Pam frowned. I don’t understand why everyone’s so anxious to see Robin.

Neither do I, a tall black-haired stranger said behind her.

He stood so close Pam inhaled his pleasant Old Spice cologne. She backed away, startled by the tingling sensations racing down her spine, leaving goose bumps in their wake.

His eyes were warm and amused as he smiled down at her. Almost a foot taller than her five feet two inches, he made her feel small and dainty. A little breathless too. If anyone could make her forget Steve, this guy topped the list.

Unnerved by that thought, and the way the stranger’s closeness made her heart flutter, she slipped past him and started to pile food onto a lime green paper plate. To her relief, he walked away. Then she chastised herself for being disappointed.

What’s a little beauty like you doing all alone? a different stranger asked. He was shorter than her, also pimple faced, and he had halitosis.

I’m not alone, Pam said as Carla and Belinda headed toward a vacant table with their heaped plates. Determined to follow them, Pam stepped sideways.

But the guy with bad-breath blocked her path. I’m Stan. What’s your name?

Not interested, she said, trying to be polite and not sound annoyed.

He laughed. I say you are. That’s what these parties are all about. Boy meets girl. Girl meets boy. They hit it off, and pow.

I haven’t been to one of these before, but if that’s what they’re about, I’m afraid we’re both wasting our time.

I don’t think one second with you would be wasted, Brown Eyes.

Pam drew in a deep breath, then wished she hadn’t. His unpleasant odor assaulted her senses. She blew out her breath slowly, trying to expel his noxious scent. All her life short boys had singled her out. They seemed to think she should fall at their feet just because they shared the same height. Talk about Napoleon’s complex.

I’ll bet you’d look good wearing nothing more than that long black hair.

Revulsion sped through her when Stan’s gaze roved up and down her body. Thank goodness her belted blue beach robe covered everything except her bare legs.

I’ll bet under that cover up you’re good enough to eat. His lecherous grin made her skin crawl, and when he leaned closer, his foul breath robbed her appetite.

Here, have a drink. He shoved a green paper cup half filled with red punch under her nose. This’ll help you relax.

Pam caught a whiff of something she assumed must be alcohol. No thanks. She had a feeling the punch had been spiked, and she’d never had a drop of alcohol in her life. Her parents didn’t allow any kind of booze in the house. She hadn’t ever been near a bar or at a wild party either.

With his free hand Stan clasped her wrist.

Let—me—go, she stammered, hating to make a scene yet afraid her face must be as red as the watermelon on her plate.

Not till we’ve had some fun. He tightened his grip and tried to drag her with him.

But Pam planted her feet firmly in the sand. Her rubber thongs dug raw spots between her toes. Thoroughly miffed, she slapped her full paper plate against Stan’s face, dropping her beach bag in the process.

When she let go the plate dropped too, and food dripped down Stan’s chin.

Once again she tried to yank free.

But she gasped in shocked pain when he jerked her arm up behind her back and twisted it cruelly. I’m gonna teach you a lesson you won’t forget, you little bitch.

Suddenly the handsome black-haired stranger appeared. Take your hands off her.

Who’s gonna make me?

I am. Seizing Stan’s arm, the tall man slowly pried each finger off Pam’s wrist.

She heard a tiny snap, then Stan yelped, Robin, you bastard. You broke my finger.

It’s your own fault. You should have let go. Exerting force is no way to treat a girl.

Pam gulped. Robin? He’s Robin? Her eyes locked on him. Sure enough, the black-haired Adonis looked like movie star material. A combination of Rock Hudson and Cary Grant with Tab Hunter’s muscled chest and arms thrown in.

While Stan nursed his injured finger, Robin motioned at two big burly men who reminded Pam of tough prison guards as they strode through the crowd, answering Robin’s summons.

Escort this jerk to the parking lot and make sure he doesn’t come back, he instructed.

Still holding his injured finger, Stan glared at Robin. But with food plastered on his face, dripping onto his hairy blond chest, the glare looked more comical than fierce.

It’s a good thing you’re leaving Hawaii, Rob, he gritted. Otherwise I’d get even.

Robin had already turned away, his concerned gaze focused on Pam. Are you all right?

Yes, I’m fine now, thanks to you.

Think nothing of it. He glanced at her empty hands, then down at the paper plate and food scattered on the sand. Let’s get you something to eat.

I think I’ve lost my appetite.

Maybe it’ll come back. I’ll fix a plate for you.

Pam bent, picked up her beach bag and slung the strap across her shoulder before Robin drew her over to the buffet. His touch made her pulse race and she fought the excitement bubbling inside as people backed away, giving him free reign to select whatever he wanted.

After he piled food on a clean plate, Pam said, Why don’t you eat it? I’m really not hungry now.

I have a better suggestion. Let’s share it.

He followed her to the table where Carla sat with Belinda. Flattered and more than a little awed when he sat down beside her, Pam blushed. To hide her emotions, she forked a piece of fresh pineapple. Robin stabbed a small slice of pork with her white plastic knife and raised it to his mouth. Eating from the same plate and sharing the utensils felt romantic, and Pam smiled, enjoying herself for the first time in months.

What did that short pimple-faced guy want? Carla asked, seated across from them.

Pam gave a nonchalant shrug. To prove he’s a lady’s man, I guess.

He probably had too much to drink, Robin said. We only serve beer, and we limit that to a couple of bottles each, but somebody might have brought hard liquor and spiked the punch.

Pam nodded, recalling Stan’s putrid breath and the strange smell when he’d shoved the punch under her nose.

Speaking of drinks, Carla said, standing, I’m thirsty.

So am I. Belinda stood up, too. I saw soft drinks in a cooler. Do you want a 7 Up or root beer, Pam?

Yes. Either one. And thanks.

Tell me about yourself, Robin invited as soon as they were alone.

There’s not much to tell.

Where are you from?

Utah.

I’ve never been there. I’m from New York. Robin smiled, and Pam thought her heart might stop. She was sure it did when he shifted on the bench and his bare thigh touched hers under the table.

What’s your name?" he asked.

She forced air into her lungs, and swallowed so she could speak. Elizabeth.

Feeling guilty for the half-truth, she looked out at the ocean, and the waves rushing in to shore. A slight breeze ruffled her bangs and carried Robin’s spicy cologne in her direction. Enjoying the combined scents of him, food, and the fresh ocean air, she turned her attention back to him. With the moon and stars twinkling above and a combo playing a former popular tune, Memories Are Made Of This, in the background, the night held a sort of magic she’d never experienced before.

In an attempt to cover her guilt for using her middle name, she said, After all the stories I’ve heard about you, I should probably be scared out of my wits.

That bad, huh? Regret glittered in Robin’s silvery blue eyes.

I’m sorry, she apologized. That was a stupid thing to say.

The truth is never stupid. He covered her trembling hand with his. Painful to hear perhaps, but never stupid.

His touch ignited a yearning deep inside, but Pam didn’t know whether he was teasing or flirting when he gave her shaky fingers a gentle squeeze, then winked before he added, Maybe I’m the one who should be scared. I’ve heard dynamite comes in small packages.

She laughed, couldn’t help herself, and as his gaze skimmed from her eyes down to her lips, an exciting warmth rushed through her veins, heating her insides, making her pulse race faster than ever.

I can’t imagine why anyone would be anxious to see me either, Elizabeth.

Regret pulsed through her for using her middle name and for saying something so unflattering. I really am sorry I said that. I have what my sister calls hoof-in-mouth disease. Open mouth, insert hoof. Please forgive me. I’m pleased to meet you, Robin, grateful for your rescue, and delighted to be at your last luau. Pam turned her hand, already in his, for a handshake.

Robin shook it, grinning again. You’re forgiven.

After he let go, he dipped two fingers in the poi on the lime paper plate and raised it to her lips. You haven’t tried this.

A little apprehensive, Pam took a tiny lick with the tip of her tongue, then wiggled her nose. It’s tasteless.

No, it isn’t. To her amazement, he took her hand again and guided her fingers to the poi, dipped them, then raised her hand to his mouth and licked the poi from both fingers.

The sensuous licking created more excitement. His touch had the power to melt her insides and her heart started to pound so hard she wondered if it might bolt right out of her rib cage.

With the pounding came a sudden tightening that squeezed her chest. For a few seconds she could hardly breathe. She told herself not to panic. Although prone to bronchitis, she hadn’t been sick for a long time. Whenever she wheezed, her doctor treated her for asthma, but as soon as she got well, he said she had asthmatic symptoms, not the disease itself.

Feeling short of breath, she sucked air into her lungs, trying to ignore the burning sensation blazing in her chest. Should she be worried? Did she need medical attention?

When Carla and Belinda returned with bottled soda pop, Pam drank greedily. The cold Hires root beer soothed the hot sting in her throat, but the pain in her chest persisted. Telling herself not to panic, she talked with Robin.

After they finished eating, he stood, and extended his hand. Let’s take a walk.

Flinging her ponytail behind her back, Pam swung her beach bag up off the sand, and hooked it over her shoulder before she placed her hand in his.

Carla smiled, waved, and mouthed the words, Have fun.

I’ll try, Pam mouthed back, her erratic heart skipping a couple of beats. Thanks to Robin she had already enjoyed herself more than she thought possible. And the night was still young. No telling how many more memories would be made before she returned to the dorm. Maybe he’d dance with her. He might even kiss her.

As they strolled away from the crowd, down to the waves lapping the shore, Pam realized she’d be disappointed if he didn’t do both.

When Robin squeezed her hand, she glanced up, startled that he had bent his head, and their faces were so close.

Will you dance with me?

I’d love to, she said, smiling.

Our thoughts are in tune, Liz. You don’t mind if I call you Liz, do you?

No. A shimmer of guilt sliced through her as Robin kicked off his thongs. Ignoring the tiny voice that reminded she hadn’t been completely honest, Pam kicked off her thongs too and dropped her beach bag on the sand again. Then she stepped between his open arms.

His expression was somber and serious when he drew her close to his bare chest. She inhaled his wonderful male scent, her heart beat picking up speed, her pulse racing as though she’d just finished the jitterbug.

Even though she was barefoot and wore only a one-piece royal blue swimming suit and beach robe, she felt like Cinderella at the ball. Robin’s attention made her feel special. Wanted. Enchanted.

When the song ended, he drew her beach robe off her shoulders and dropped it on top of her beach bag. As the musicians began a new tune, Robin took her in his arms again.

Dancing in the near dark with only the moon and star studded sky above, and tiny fire lights in the distance made it the most romantic night of her entire life.

Smiling down at her, Robin drew her closer.

She closed her eyes and let his magic consume her, vaguely aware that her former boyfriend had finally been consigned to the past. Where he belonged.

One

Schenectady, New York

Saturday, July 30, 1967—Seven Years and Eight Months Later

The DC 10 touched down fifteen minutes early. Pam collected her purse and briefcase. Now Treasurer of Conover Life Insurance Company in Schenectady, New York, she had been out of a town for more than a week, and visited five different states in as many days.

After she deplaned, she spied Lee Williams, her co-worker, best male friend and closest confidant. As promised, he’d come to pick her up. She flashed a smile.

He smiled back. Welcome home, Treasurer, he said, giving her a brief hug.

Pam blushed. Thanks. It’s good to be back. She could still hardly believe she’d been promoted last year, and become the youngest and only female officer after Taunce, the former Treasurer and her mentor, retired.

Lee fell in step beside her, and they headed toward baggage claim. "Would you believe