"It's been ages and ages," she supplied. "Much too long. I've been trying to catch you, but I know you power brokers... busy, busy, busy. So I forgive you. Why don't you stop by now?"
"At this hour?"
"Not too late for... a nightcap."
"Well..." Why the hell not?
Because he didn't want to see Gwen Bradley, or anybody except... "Thanks, but no. Not tonight. I've just had a tough session." Damn tough! "Another time, maybe?"
He turned the car toward his club. He'd work out. Take a long swim.
"Quite. I like my job, Mr. Harding.'' She consulted her notes. "The West Coast Regional. You did settle on Prescott?"
"Yes. Prescott," he said.
"All my fault," Lisa explained to Mary Wells that afternoon. "You see I had been reading this book..."
"What book?"
"On how to please the man in your life."
"Honey, you don't need a book for that."
"I do. I don't have your want-to-get-married club."
Mary laughed. "Start one. There must be lots of women who want to get married."
"None I know. Meaningful relationship, maybe. And just as a sideline to what they're really working on... like a career."
"I see. Rather, I don't. In my day..." She shook her head. "Hand me that trowel. So you got this book and it's no good, either?"
"Oh, it's so ridiculous, you can't take it seriously. But..." She gave her the trowel. "What it says works, Mary. It really does."
"So what went wrong?"
"Well, last night, I was working with Mr. Harding, my boss. At my place." She paused. "That was the first mistake. But I suggested, took him there because I was concerned about him."
"Oh."
"He's a don't-know-when-to-stop workaholic, Mary. He's one of these ladder climbers, you see, and-"
"Ladder climbers?"
"Oh, you know, one of those people so anxious to get ahead that..." She hesitated. "No. Maybe that's the wrong term for him. He is ambitious, but not for himself. More for what needs to be done. For the right things, even down to the smallest detail. Even last night. There was this boy that had got into trouble and... Oh, never mind about that. The thing is, I could tell he was overtaxed, hungry, and we still had so much to do. So I thought if I fed him... at my place where it was quiet."
"That was thoughtful of you," Mary said as she dug around the tomato plants.
"I guess. I fed him just what the book said was a pickup, and it was. We got through in record time."
"Good. So you had the right idea."
"Only maybe I was wrong. You see, something else happened." Lisa, who had changed into a pair of her old shorts, got down beside Mary and began to pull out weeds. "You know, I changed my whole wardrobe, per advice from the stylist at Hera's. Tailored for the office, sexy at home."
"Well?"
"Well, I didn't want to cook in my office clothes, so I'd changed into the first thing I put my hands on when I got home."
"And?"
Lisa sat back, looking thoughtful, "One of those when-you-want-to-entice-him garments."
"Oh, my!" Mary exclaimed, laughing. "And did it?"
Lisa made a face. "I'll say. We were through work, just relaxing, you know. Suddenly he looked at me like he'd never seen me before and then... Well, all of a sudden he was kissing me like crazy. Or maybe it was me kissing him, because I was feeling like I never wanted him to stop. It was so...so.. "
"Wonderful, huh?"
"Yes. Oh, no! Awful!"
"Oh?" Mary looked puzzled. "Sounds as if you liked it."
"That's just it, don't you see? Dangerous. I could be drawn into a purely physical relationship with the wrong man."
"Oh. He's married?"
"No."
"A playboy type?"
"No. At least ... I don't think so." She started pulling weeds again, thinking about it. There were women who called or sometimes stopped by the office. But she really didn't know how or with whom he spent what little spare time he had.
"How does he feel about you?" Mary asked.
She didn't know that, either. Hadn't thought about it, even when he was kissing her. Too involved with her own feelings then. "That doesn't matter, Mary. He's just not a man I'd want to marry."
"Why not? From what you said, he's nice, hardworking."
"That's just it." She stopped. How could she explain about work versus family time? Not to Mary whose hardworking Horace had had very little time for family life during his working years. "He... he's not my type."
"I see," said the obviously puzzled Mary.
"Besides, he's my boss! That makes situations like last night extremely awkward. This morning... Oh, Mary it was awful! I tried to appear normal, but I could hardly face him."
"I can imagine. Do you think he'll fire you? Some bosses, I hear, are—"
"No. He's not like that."
"Oh. Well, are you going to quit?"
"I can't quit! I'm up to my ears. I have finished paying for that beauty course. But keeping up.. .manicures, facials.. .you can't imagine. And those what-to-wear-when clothes don't come cheap." She sighed. "No, I'll have to keep my well-paying job till it happens."
"Until what happens?"
*'Until I get married of course. That's what I've been working for all the time. The beauty treatments, the book, clothes, everything... even why I took the job in the first place."
"That's right. You told me. So when do you think... that is, have you found the... the right type?"
"Do you know," she said dreamily. "I really think I have." Jake Mason. Maybe...
Yes, Scot thought, mistakes could and should be avoided. Office affairs were strictly taboo. Should he lose the best assistant he ever had because he found her physically appealing?
Not on your life!
If he could vacation with her all over East Africa and avoid troublesome episodes, surely he could travel, work with her anywhere, couldn't he?
Bet your life he could!
Anyway, he'd probably been working too hard. Too close?
Possibly.
Distractions were available.
If the distractions weren't entirely satisfactory, at least they were ... distracting. And, at the office, if he kept his mind and eyes strictly on the business at hand, operations at Safetech's head shed sailed on smooth, undistracted waters.
Lisa was no longer wary. Things were really back to normal. As far as she could tell, Scot Harding regarded her as no more than a piece of necessary office equipment. That, she told herself, was a big relief. If at times, most unexpectedly, she felt a little quiver or a hot flush at the sight of some now familiar sight... his rumpled head bent over a stack of papers or just that funny quizzical lift of one eyebrow... it was, she told herself, just glands. And was comforted by the thought that the present situation wouldn't last forever. Jake...
She concentrated on Jake, the ideal husband material. Semiretired, with all the time in the world for family life. More than enough money to supply the glamour. More important, she liked him. He was an affable, easygoing, delightful companion, when boating, golfing, dancing... whatever.
And he liked her. She could tell. His attentions had increased, the invitations numerous and more expansive. "How about sailing to Hawaii?'' or "A flight on the Concorde? We could sail back on the Q.E. II."
Strangely enough, none of his fantastic suggestions seemed particularly exciting to her. She always gave her usual calm, truthful answer. "Sorry. I'm a working girl."
But now his response was, "You don't have to be a working girl."
She wasn't dumb. He didn't necessarily mean marriage. She would wait.
Meanwhile, she set her own standards. She was not about to accompany him on any intimate sojourn without a wedding ring on her—
"Here's what you wanted from Fiscal, Miss Wilson."
"Thank you, Jefrey." She smiled at Jefrey Fisher, the young intern Reba had gladly assigned to her. He didn't look like a juvenile delinquent. He looked like an ordinary sixteen-year-old of average height, skinny, with freckles and red hair. Possibly more enthusiastic than most, she thought as she studied his obviously awed expression.
"Man, that's some place," he said. "All them computers and people punching buttons and numbers jumping up.. .bip, bop, bam! I'd like to... can you work those things, Miss Wilson?"
"Oh, yes, I did so every day, and not too long ago. Word processing, though. I'm not very good at figures."
"I am. That was the only class I... Well, I got pretty good grades in math, even algebra. And if'n I'd had one of them computers I'd been a whiz. The machine does all the figuring. You don't have to think."
"Oh, yes, you do. You know what they say.. .garbage in, garbage out."
"You mean.. .oh, like you have to put in what to subtract or multiply or whatever. Heck, that's easy. I could do that."
"I expect you could. You're a pretty smart young man, Jefrey. Listen, take these over to Personnel, and when you come back..." She was aware of the proud lift of his head and his careful attention to what she was saying. It was a joy to have such an eager, anxious-to-learn young helper. She was glad they had taken him on, she thought as she watched him go out.
She was unaware that Harding, standing in the doorway of his adjoining office, also watched. She was surprised when he spoke.
"Have you made the reservations for the West Coast Regional?"
"Not yet. I've alerted Travel, but—"
"Good. Get a ticket and book a room for Jefrey."
"But..." She gave him a quizzical look that asked why.
"I want him to be the conference page."
"A good idea. I never thought of that."
"I find him to be unusually curious, intellectually. So not only will this give him a chance to perform the necessary functions of a page, but an excellent opportunity to see and observe."
She agreed, smiling.
"I like that. And it's good for him. Do you know that all that kid has ever seen in his life are
the streets of Wilmington? And not the best streets at that."
''Yes," she said again, surprised that she had never thought about that.
"He's a bright kid and the more he sees of the working world, the better. I'll speak to Glover and his parole officer." Harding started to go into his office, then turned back. "Arrange for us to stay over one more day. Maybe we'll take in Disneyland. He needs to know that working has its fun benefits, as well."
He went back into his office, and Lisa sat for a long time in contemplation. How many men, beset with the responsibilities and problems inherent in such an empire as Harding headed, would have had the interest or taken the time...
Then she thought of Jefrey. He would be out of his gourd. She must impress upon him his own responsibility... behavior, attire. Attire. She would see about getting him fitted for a Safetech uniform. Right away. The conference was only ten days away. He might need other things. Perhaps she should arrange for a pay advance. No, travel advance. That would do it.
No. It was more than that. No one could mistake the awe, the wonder, as he took in a world he had never seen before.
Even the plane ride. "Have you flown before?" she asked.
He shook his head, and she could tell he was too overwhelmed to speak. But not too overwhelmed to enjoy it. During most of the flight, she had been absorbed, reviewing pertinent details with Scot. But she had been aware of Jefrey. Gaping out the window, ordering dozens of sodas and fiddling with his private TV afforded by the first-class status.
And now the plush, elegant hotel. His own private room with all the amenities. She watched him smile and nod, and supply an elder gentleman with a pen and memo pad, then go quickly out to deliver the message. As if it was a treat to do what was asked. As if he was proud to be part of this mass of elegant professional people who spoke respectfully to him, requesting that he do this or that.
She looked over at Scot, deeply involved in a discussion with Prescott. All business, just as on the plane. As if he had no thought of Jefrey nor of the opportunities he had made possible for him.
It was a three-day conference, and a busy one. Lisa soon became so involved in her own duties that she forgot all about Jefrey. Thursday was
particularly grueling, and she retired to her room immediately after the evening session. One more day, she thought as she climbed into bed.
Too keyed up to sleep, she turned on the bedside lamp and reached for a paperback.
The phone rang. Almost twelve. Who on earth? she wondered as she answered. "Hello, doll. Conference going well?" "Oh, Jake! How nice to hear from you. Yes, going well. Only one more day." "Good," he said. "I miss you." "Me, too." She forgave the lie. Not kind to say she had forgotten to think about him. "So what time are you landing Saturday?" "Saturday? Oh, I'm not! Sunday at—" "Why not? You are finishing up tomorrow?" "Yes, but we arranged to stay over a day." "Who's we?" Jake sounded annoyed. "You and Scot?"
"Yes. And Jefrey." "Who's Jefrey?"
"He's a young intern that works in our office. He's serving as a page during the conference. A really bright, nice kid. He's been working real hard. And Scot...Mr. Harding, thought it would be nice for him to have some fun. And since we're here... you know... Disneyland."
"I see. Well...you could take an earlier flight, couldn't you? You don't have to stay."
"Oh, but..." She stopped. How to explain that she wanted to stay? Wanted to see Jefrey having fun. "Hard to change a reservation on such short notice/'
"I assure you, sweetheart, that it can be done. Wait. I've a better idea. I'll have Conyers pick you up."
"Conyers?"
"One of the pilots. He'll bring the jet down and-"
"Jake, don't be ridiculous!" She hadn't yet grasped the idea of one having one's own private jet on command at any moment. "I already have a ticket and it's only one day."
"But I want you here so we can go sailing on Sunday. I thought we might—"
"For goodness' sake, we are always... that is, we can go sailing anytime."
"No, we can't. You're always working. Which reminds me, it's time we did something about that."
"Oh?"
"We'll talk about it when I see you. Which will be in about twenty-four hours, would you say? I'll have Conyers..."
"No, Jake. Don't do that. It's...well, I promised Jefrey." She crossed her fingers. "He'll be disappointed if I don't go with him."
"Oh, so the little jerk means more to you than I?"
"Don't be silly. It's just.. .well, a promise is a promise."
"Okay. I'll try to survive. But you do realize how long it's been?"
"At least four days. Ages," she said with mock emphasis.
"So have you been dreaming?"
"Dreaming?"
"Sweet little dreams of me!"
"Why, Mr. Mason, you shouldn't delve into a woman's silly romantic notions!"
"Oh, but I must. Such notions are to be shared," he admonished in a seductive whisper. "Hold on to them, sweetheart. Till I'm with you to make them come true."
"I'm holding! I'm holding!" she panted.
"Nut. Good night, love."
Lisa was laughing as she replaced the phone. I like Jake, she thought. I am really very fond of him, she added, somewhat firmly, as she retrieved the paperback.
The conference ended late Friday afternoon. Harding had a wrap-up session with Prescott and some other officials that evening. He hadn't stopped one minute, Lisa thought, and was glad he had planned the Disneyland trip. He needed the relaxation more than Jefrey, who, along with other pages and clerks, was sorting and packaging materials to be transported to various offices.
They were seated at breakfast early the next morning, excitedly going over the brochures, planning what to see, what to do, when—
"Aha, I thought I'd find you here. Fortifying yourselves for the big adventure?"
Lisa stared at Jake, tall, slim, and handsome in designer jeans and polo shirt, looking as mischievous as a small boy who had just pulled off a big joke on somebody. Which he had.
She was suddenly unaccountably angry. Why had he come?
"Jake!" It was Harding, as surprised as she, who asked, "What are you doing here?"
But it was to Lisa that Jake responded. "If the mountain won't come to Mohammed," he said, and bent to kiss her full on the lips.
It was not the impact of the kiss, but the expression on Scot's face that made her go all hot and cold... intense and demanding, forcing her to remember his kiss. A kiss that had shaken her to the roots. Was he remembering, too?
She forced herself to look away, feeling awkward as she turned to Jake. "What.. .what a nice surprise!" she said, smiling, wondering why she felt he was an intruder. "When did you get here?"
"Too late last night to disturb you," he said, sitting next to her and helping himself to one of her strawberries, a gesture as possessive as his kiss and just as embarrassing. "Since you
couldn't go sailing with me, I decided to go Disney landing with you.''
"Amazed that you could tear yourself from the pressures of... the golf course/' Scot remarked, tight-lipped.
"Difficult," Jake replied with complacent good cheer. "But the thought of Lisa in the company of..." He hesitated, rather belatedly casting a glance at Jefrey. "Two charming gentlemen for such long hours—"
"A daily occurrence/' Scot said. "That disturbs you?"
"Oh, not at all. Not at all. Work can be so boring, you see. But when it comes to play or other pastimes—"
"Jake," Lisa broke in, "this is Jefrey, the young man I told you about. Jefrey, this is Mr. Mason. He's.. .going to join us, I hope," she added, with a questioning smile toward Jake.
"That's what I came for. So, Jefrey, I understand you're a recent addition to the Safetech staff. How do you like it?"
Lisa was glad to see him focus his attention on Jefrey and cease the bickering—was it bickering?—with Scot. She knew they were the best of friends and that day golfing, when she had met Jake, they seemed to make it a game... well, to cap on each other. But today... Somehow the atmosphere had changed.
Or maybe it was she. Why did she feel kind of.. .deflated? Since Jake had come. Like the day was something she and Scot had planned together for Jefrey, and Jake had no business...
This was ridiculous. Jake always made things more fun. Besides, he was the man she was going to marry. That is, if he asked her.
But would she?
Could she promise to love him? Did she?
A marriage could be planned. But love? Not something that could be forced. It had to come naturally, like breathing, didn't it?
Or maybe it had to grow. She liked Jake. And he had come all this way just to be with her, hadn't he? She touched his hand. "I'm so glad you came."
The tension, if indeed there had been tension, had eased by the time they reached Disneyland. The happy jostling crowd, the atmosphere, all there was to see and do, affected all of them. How could one not play in a playground such as this? Joking and laughing like four kids on a holiday, they set out to try everything. They walked through every level of the massive tree house, took three harrowing rides down Magic Mountain, and several tumbles down the giant waterfall. They rode through the ghost house, visited Tom Sawyer's island, took a canoe ride through jungle waters infested with very real-looking alligators and hippos, consumed dozens
of hot dogs, hamburgers, and gallons of sodas in cool, clean tree-shaded restaurants. They got stymied at Space Mountain where Jefrey insisted on at least eight breathtaking rides through the darkened star-studded area of simulated space.
"You really get the feeling like you're way out among the stars, don't you?" she said to Jake, who, after the third ride, waited with her on a nearby bench. "I don't know if I really got dizzy or was just overwhelmed by the idea of being so far from good old solid earth. I'm sorry I had to give up on Jef rey."
"I'm not." Jake reached for her hand. "It's time I had you to myself."
"Jake, I've been with you all day."
"All to myself," he emphasized. "Listen, you're flying back with me."
"Okay. I think Jefrey's really enjoying this, don't you?"
"Are you kidding! We might never leave this Space Mountain."
"Isn't that the truth! I'm glad Scot's sticking with him." Going all out for Jef rey, she thought. But seeming to enjoy it just as much. Funny how at times Scot would shed that all business attitude as easily as he did his coat. Like when they toured in Africa, and that night they went dancing in San Francisco, even, she thought, feeding Clarice's kids. She smiled, remembering. "Open up, kid."
"Would you like that?" Jake asked, kissing her cheek.
"I'm...er... not sure," she muttered, wondering what he had asked.
"We'd get to Wilmington about four, probably.. .but we wouldn't have to budge till breakfast. Then we could head straight for the boat."
"Oh, Jake, you move too fast for me," she said, trying to gather her thoughts. Leave tonight? Sleep on his plane, which, if she knew Jake, was cozily fitted with a full-size bed. Not a good idea. "There's no telling when we will get away from here, and I'm already exhausted. And I haven't even packed. We'd better plan to leave in the morning." She looked down at her watch, then up at the Space Mountain. How long? she wondered.
Scot, trapped in the capsule for his sixth—or was it the seventh—hurtle through the simulated areas of a vast outer world, wondered the same thing. He wondered how long it would be before space travel became as common as a plane flight. He wondered where Lisa was. With Jake. Very chummy. Too damn chummy. He wondered how long that had been going on. He didn't like it. He knew Jake. A good enough guy, but careless with his charm and his millions, leaving a trail of broken hearts. Lisa, for all the veneer of sophistication she assumed, was a very naive
young woman. Warm, caring, honest. Vulnerable. He didn't like it one damn bit!
Lisa enjoyed the flight to Wilmington in Jake's plane. She was right. Not just a bed, but a whole comfortable, beautifully furnished bedroom. An equally comfortable living room.
"Such luxury," she said. "A person could be spoiled."
"I like spoiling you," he said. "What would you like? Coffee? Breakfast? A nap?"
"Goodness, no. I slept all night, and I had my fruit and coffee at the hotel. I think I'll just relax and enjoy all this and heaven, too. It's beautiful," she said, gazing out at cliffs and clouds.
"You're beautiful," he said, running a finger along the ruffled collar of her orchid blouse. "I like this. So soft and frilly and just right for you."
She smiled at him. "The better to entice you, sir."
"Are you trying to entice me?"
"You bet your life I am!"
"Come here. Let me show you how."
She moved closer to him. He kissed her. Slowly, tenderly. She was not enticed. She pressed close, trying to respond. Nothing.
She looked up at his handsome face, deeply bronzed against his blond sun-bleached hair. An
outdoor man... sailing, golfing. What was he really like?
'Tell me about yourself/' she said. "Your parents. Are they living?''
"Both. Divorced. Mom's in Paris. Dad in New York." He ran his fingers through her hair- "I think I'm falling in love."
She wasn't ready to hear this. "You're changing the subject," she said, sitting up.
"Come back to me."
"No. You're cheating. You're supposed to tell me all about you. Did you have a happy childhood or were you a poor little neglected rich boy? Did you have nannies or tutors that gave you a complex?"
He grinned. "No complex. And never neglected. Not a chance, what with parents, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and several cousins."
She, who had been left with just one aunt, sighed. "All those relatives. More precious than money."
"That's debatable," he said with a wry smile. "But, since you think so... would you like to join?"
"Join what?"
"The family."
"How do I do that?"
"You marry me, goose!"
"Oh. I..." There it was. Just like that. He had asked her. "Stop kidding," she hedged.
"I've never been so serious in my life;" He took her hand, rubbed his thumb over her ring finger. "I've had a few relationships, Lisa. One or two very close ones. But I've never before asked anyone to marry me."
"Oh, Jake." She touched his cheek. "I feel so.. .so touched, honored. You are special. I'm really fond of you. But marriage ... is serious. I'll... Could I have time... to think about it?"
"All the time you want. I can wait."
Why was she waiting? He was perfect, exactly the kind of man she wanted. So why did she hesitate?
Because she truly liked Jake. He was a dear man. He deserved a woman who really loved him.
She wasn't sure that she could be that woman.
Glands. A natural reaction, she had thought, between any man and woman who became... well, close.
Maybe this was the time to consult the sex manuals.
They told how. So specifically that just the reading made her blush.
But all the manuals dwelt on the sex act itself, not the preamble leading to it. Nothing about the magic sensation, that electric jolt of passionate yearning that impelled the romance heroine to strip off her clothes and fly into her lover's arms for a mutually satisfying orgy. The way a wife ought to feel about her husband.
The way she felt when Scot kissed her.
She wouldn't think about that.
Scot's regular early Sunday morning golf foursome was more often a three or twosome, dependant upon who was presently in town. This morning it was a twosome, just he and Jake Mason. He was glad about that. He wanted to talk to Jake.
He didn't waste time. "I was sure surprised when you popped up in L.A. last week."
"Oh? Well, you know me." Jake shrugged. "Hey, aren't those new woods?"
"Yeah. I didn't know you and Lisa were an item. How long has that been going on?"
"Lisa? Oh, I don't know. Since...hey, you introduced us. You asked me to get Senator Dobbs down and..."
"Right. I remember/' Big damn mistake!
"Custom-made, huh?" Jake's eyes were on the clubs. "Let me have a look."
Scot handed over a club while his mind grappled with something else. Jake might be his best friend, but how the hell could he pursue a subject that was none of his damn business?
Jake ran a hand over the smooth wood, looked at the label. "Leonard, huh?"
Scot nodded.
"He's good. Great sticks." Jake handed back the club. "Won't help you, though. I'm out for blood today."
"You'll probably get it. As usual. But if I had as much time to play as you..." That reminded him. "What happened to Gloria?"
"Who?" Jake looked so genuinely puzzled that Scot shook his head.
"Gloria somebody," he said with emphasis. "Surely you remember. The gorgeous redhead you squired all over the continent last year."
"Oh, her! She was gorgeous, wasn't she? I think she's in Hollywood. At least, I got her a contract with one of the networks. But I don't know where she is. She sort of faded out of my life."
"Or you faded out of hers?"
They were approaching the tee. Jake stopped and turned to give him a level look. "What are you driving at, Scot?"
"No offense. But you do have a love-'em-leave-'em reputation, you know."
"So?"
"Lisa Wilson's different."
"I'll say."
"Not your type."
"Fll buy that." They had reached the tee and were standing a little apart waiting for the foursome before them to tee off. "Lisa's nobody's type."
"Right. She's for real."
Jake met his clear unwavering stare without blinking. "What are you saying?"
"That she wouldn't be bought off with a contract, a condo, diamond bracelets. Nothing like that."
"I know. I've tried."
Scot felt a sense of elation. His faith in Lisa was justified. She wouldn't fall for Jake Mason's maneuvering. Would not be influenced by his charm or his millions.
"Why the inquisition?" Jake asked.
"I like her. I wouldn't want her hurt."
"I see. Are you asking my intentions?"
That floored him. He had never known Jake to have but one intention... for whoever cap-
tured his fancy at the moment. "I.. .1 guess I am."
The answer struck him like a bolt of lightning. "Strictly honorable, old friend."
"Meaning?"
"That I mean to marry the lady. Satisfied?"
"No, by God, I'm not!" A swinging bachelor like Jake? "You'd make a hell of a husband."
"Not exactly asking your permission, chum."
"What?"
"You're her employer, remember? Not her father."
"Yes, but-"
"Besides which... any father would consider me a most desirable catch."
Scot stared at him. Yes. Most fathers would. And so would Lisa.
Damn! Damn! Damn!
I am the fool. A stupid, blundering moron. Worried about poor naive vulnerable Lisa.. .who knew exactly what she was doing.
He should have been protecting Jake. Poor old love-'em-leave-'em Jake, who didn't know he was dealing with bait.
Yes, sir. Lisa had set herself up as bait and she had caught the big fish!
Well, bully for her!
"Get a move on, man. We're on," Jake prompted and Scot saw that the foursome had moved on.
"Right!" Scot strode over and set up his ball and took out his wood. Swung. The resounding whack sent the ball spinning far down the fairway.
"Damn!" Jake said. "You're the one out for blood!"
"Guess what, Miss Wilson? I been moved to a new place."
"That's good." Lisa looked up from her desk. Must be a good move, judging by the grin on Jefrey's face.
"Yeah. This is the best place I ever been. A whole room all by myself."
"That's nice."
"Yeah, just us four boys in the big house and we all got our own room."
Lisa frowned. No adult? "Just you boys?"
"Oh, no. It's Mr. and Mrs. Johnson's house. He teaches math, but she don't work. See, they run this moter... moter... some kind of program.' ■
"Motivation program?"
"Yeah, that's it. Mr. Glover got me in it on account of me working here, and Mr. Harding says I can work part time even after school starts. See, that's the kind of program it is. They learn you to do some kind of work."
"You learn. Others teach, or train you."
"Yeah. That's what they do. And Mr. Harding, he give me this computer—"
"Gave you."
"Yeah, and I'm gonna learn how to do those figures like they do in Fiscal. Mr. Harding says that's where he's going to put me on account of I'm good at math. I like it here, but he says I don't want to be a gopher all my life." He paused, looking puzzled. "What's a gopher, Miss Wilson?"
She smiled. "Just an expression people have coined. You know how you run errands...go for this or go for that?"
"Oh, yeah." Jefrey grinned. "So pretty soon I'll be sitting at a desk and somebody else'll be the gopher, huh?"
"Right," Lisa said, thinking of Jefrey working with figures at a computer. Because Scot Harding had an eye for details. He had noted that Jefrey was good at math, just as he had known she would be good at what she was doing now. "Mr. Harding is pretty proud of you, Jefrey. That's because you have carried out your duties so well here, and conducted yourself like a gentleman. I'm proud of you, too, and I hate to lose you. But this is a promotion, you know, and I'm glad for you. Just keep up the good work." She didn't add "and out of trouble," but he seemed to sense the admonition.
"I am. I'm going to work hard, and I ain't gonna miss no more school, and I ain't gonna do nothing that Mr. Harding wouldn't like."
"Good. Oh, good morning, boss." She looked up, smiling, as Harding strode in.
He only gave them a curt nod, and went straight into his office.
"Take this packet to Mr. Alexander," she told Jefrey. "And I better get Mr. Harding's coffee." She liked to make him comfortable. Somebody should look after him. He was always so busy, so rushed. Always observing and alert to what was needed for anything or anybody else. Whatever section of the business, whatever country he was dealing with, whatever person. He had known before she did that she would be good at her job. She was good. And, to tell the truth, she liked it.
Not that she meant to be trapped in it! No, indeed. As soon as she got married, probably a few weeks before she got married, she would resign. Maybe she should alert him now. So he could be looking around for a replacement.
She went quickly in with his coffee... hot, just as he liked it. "Here's your coffee, boss!" She smiled and took out her notepad. "Let's see. Fiscal meeting at ten. Do you want me to cover it? You have an eleven-thirty luncheon with Davis at Perry's and..." She stopped. He wasn't listening. He was staring at her as if he had something else on his mind. Something not very pleasant.
"Congratulations, Miss Wilson."
"Con...? For what, pray tell?"
"Pulled it off, didn't you?"
She stiffened, not liking the way he was looking at her. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I'm talking about manipulation, Miss Wilson."
"Manipulation?"
"I'm talking about your setting yourself up as bait."
"Bait?"
"Bait. I think I arranged a loan to assist you in that nefarious scheme."
Now she remembered. That first interview when he had goaded her into telling her plans. He had called it marriage bait. "It was not a nefarious scheme."
"Oh? Are you denying that you deliberately planned to attract a man... No, how did you put it? A certain type of man. A rich type... not so involved with making a living that he wouldn't have time to make a marriage."
"No. I'm not denying it." Now she was really angry. He had pulled it out of her, but she had been honest. And why was he bringing it up now? "That is the type... the kind of man I want to marry."
"Found him, didn't you?"
He must be talking about Jake. "Maybe," she said through tight lips.
"Plenty rich. Not an old retired fogy, either. Still young enough to make babies, huh?"
She bit her lip, trying to control her temper. "Okay. So I'm lucky. Why are you so angry?"
"Because luck didn't have anything to do with it. It was manipulation."
"Will you stop using that word! I didn't manipulate anybody into anything."
"Oh, but you did. You baited a trap and caught a prize fish. What about love?"
"Don't you worry about that! I will love my husband. I plan to love him plenty!"
"Plan! Ha! Love is not a plan. It's a happening that sneaks up on you before you know it. A feeling that grabs you like a vise. A desirable, all-consuming, exhilarating... excruciating. Painful." He stopped. Stared at her.
Damn! He was in love with her.
That's why he was acting like a damn fool. He was hurting. Sick. Mad with jealousy.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I... I don't know what got into me." He tried to smile.
She didn't say anything. She looked like she was trying to figure him out.
"Guess I panicked," he said. "The thought of losing the best assistant I ever had."
"It will leave you in a bit of a bind. Maybe we should start thinking about a replacement."
"No!" he said so vehemently that she started. "I.. .well, don't feel like dealing with it now. I've had one hell of a weekend. Bushed."
■ Tm sorry. Shall I cover Fiscal this morning?"
"Please. And cancel Davis, will you? I think I'll call it a day."
"But..." She stopped, not wanting to say the day had just begun. He did look beat. "Why don't you do that? Nothing too pressing today."
He started out. Turned back. "Forget that bait stuff, will you?"
"Sure."
"And.. .be happy. Jake's a great guy."
"Thank you."
"Lisa!" It was Clarice. "I've got to talk to you"
"All right. But, could I call you back? I'm really rather—"
"It's about George," Clarice said. Lisa could tell she was crying. "He's... he's ... I think he's seeing someone else."
Uh-oh! "Oh, I doubt that. We'll... Listen, I'll call you right back. I'm in the middle of something just now." She replaced the phone before Clarice could protest, and turned to Scot. "Sorry. My sister-in..." She stopped. Not her sister-in-law, but as good as. The Wells were as much her family as Aunt Ruth. "I mean, Clarice," she amended.
Not that it mattered. He wasn't listening. His eyes were focused on her, but it was as if they were looking through her at something else entirely. On his face that haggard expression it had worn all week. Which brought to mind what she was saying when Clarice interrupted.
"I think there are only one or two sessions which need your attention. Why don't you take it easy this trip? Go down to the beach and... Boss?"
"Oh. Sorry. What did you say?"
"I said you're due for a little R and R," she said, rather sternly. He really did need someone to look after him. "You've been going like a house afire. As a matter of fact, you could stay
over for a few days. Lie on the beach, bask in the sun, swim in the ocean."
"Sounds like a good idea."
"You'll do it? Stay over, I mean?"
He shrugged. "Why not?"
"Good. I'm going to change your reservations right now. Return flight next Tuesday. Okay?"
He nodded without enthusiasm.
"And don't you dare come back before then!" She gave him a saucy grin and went into her own office.
Taking the sunshine with her, Scot thought, gazing after her.
Damn, but he was getting sentimental!
He was not a man given to sentimentality.
Nor was he one to brood over past mistakes. You win some, you lose some. Whichever.. .move on!
But this time... How the hell could it hurt so much to lose a game you weren't even playing?
That was it. He had never entered the arena. And why hadn't he? Why hadn't he realized she was the only woman he could ever love? So close to her for a whole year.. .no, three, if he counted the gopher years. Even then, as enchanted as he was by her lilting voice, her cheerful good nature, he hadn't known. Keen-sighted businessman he was, he'd just known she'd make a damn good assistant.
Even when he kissed her... Glands, she said, and he had bought it.
Glands, hell! He'd never been that turned on by just a kiss with any other woman.
Marriage bait. That had given him a laugh!
Well, sucker, the laugh's on you. You're caught in her trap as surely as Jake.
He pushed back his chair, got up and walked to the window. Stared out.
He didn't think much of marriage. In fact, had sworn off. But he knew that if she said the word, gave him half a chance, he'd have a ring on her finger and a halter around his neck just like that! Hell, he'd even retire if she required it. He wasn't as rich as Jake, but...
Ah, that was it. Jake.
Scot thrived on competition. It made the game more exciting. And for a prize he would cherish more than life itself...
But when the game was over, and the man holding the prize was his very best friend...
Damn. He'd have to start searching for a new assistant. It was dangerous to be around her at the office. Definitely no traveling with her.
Lisa and I together in Hawaii? Couldn't take the risk. Jake's too good a friend.
Lisa was not able to return Clarice's call until she got Scot off. By that time Clarice was almost
hysterical and Lisa promised she would be there as soon as she could leave the office.
She drove over, wondering if George could really be involved with someone else. He and Clarice had been so close, since.. .goodness, since their early high school years. George, the big football hero, and Clarice, the beautiful. Popular, young, and healthy, with glands popping out all over the place. Glands which could often be mistaken for love.
Later?
Life, minus the cheering fans and the glamour, could become monotonous and dull. She knew that Clarice was unhappy and unfulfilled. Probably, so was George.
Yes, he could very well be involved with someone else. Probably, so would Clarice, if she could find the time. People should think with their heads about whom and what they wanted in a marriage before letting themselves be swept away by... well, face it... glands.
She thought of those two adorable children. What would happen to them if George and Clarice should break up? At the same time she was thinking, Nothing like that will ever happen to my children. Jake. He is everything I want. I'm glad I prepared myself to be the kind of wife he needs. I can make him happy. I'll give him my answer when he gets back from the golf match in Dover.
And why am I thinking of myself when I should be concentrating on Clarice? For the children's sake, she and George should stay together. Could this marriage be saved?
She parked her car in their driveway and walked rapidly toward the house.
"Lisa!" Betsy ran across the living room and flung herself into Lisa's arms, smearing something sticky all over her smart linen dress.
"Hello, pudding!" Lisa held her close. What were sticky hands against love? "I haven't seen you for so long. What's going on?"
"Daddy's not here, and Mommy's crying, and Todd won't stop sucking his thumb," said the little bundle of information.
So there. I shouldn't have asked. "Hello, Todd. How's my favorite boy?" Lisa set Betsy down and bent to tickle Todd, who was lying on the floor. He took his thumb out of his mouth long enough to giggle, but stuck it back in as Clarice pounced upon Lisa.
"You see!" she said, glancing accusingly at the clock. "It's after six and he's not here yet. Oh, Lisa, what am I to do?"
Clean up this mess for a start, was Lisa's first thought as she looked around for a safe place to deposit her shoulder bag. Finally she set it on top of two clean paperbacks on the coffee table, and said, "Why are you so concerned about time?
Traffic is so unpredictable and with that heavy rig he drives—"
"Oh, you don't know. He's a dispatcher now, with regular hours at the office here in town."
"Good for him!" Lisa said, pleased. "No, I didn't know. That's a promotion, isn't it?"
"Oh, yes!" Clarice snorted. "Off every morning bright and early, dressed up in a coat and tie. Strutting like he's the head of the whole damn—"
"Clarice!" Lisa cut in. "We'll talk later," she said, with a significant glance toward Betsy, who watched them with big wide eyes and wide open ears. "After we bathe the kids. Have they eaten?"
"Oh, yes. Long ago. I've learned not to wait for George. He's never—"
"Clarice!"
"Oh, all right. But you don't know how it is." Clarice sounded like she was crying again, but she went into the bathroom and turned on the water.
"Come on, kids," Lisa said as she scooped Todd up. "Let's have a swim."
After a long bath and a couple of stories, the kids were settled in bed.
"It's driving me crazy," Clarice said as soon as they shut the bedroom door. "I don't even know who she is."
"You don't know if she is," Lisa said. "Come into the kitchen. I could use a cold drink. What does George say?"
"What could he say? You don't suppose he's going to tell me, do you? 'There's this gorgeous gal in the office and she asked me to stop by and fix a hinge on the door cabinet and I stayed for a drink and...'"
"What does he say?" Lisa demanded as she took down a pitcher and reached for the ice tea mix.
"That he's working, of course. An unexpected shipment or a truck stalled in Chicago. Work. What else?"
"Maybe he is working."
"Oh, no, he isn't. I know."
"How do you know?"
"Because even when he's here, he's not!" Clarice snapped.
"What do you mean by that?" Lisa asked as she filled two tall glasses with ice.
"I mean, he isn't... Doesn't... He just sleeps."
"Oh." Lisa handed her the glasses, picked up the pitcher of tea. "Let's go out on the patio."
"Oh, Lisa, what am I going to do?" Clarice asked again as soon as they were seated.
"Well," Lisa said. "If you're really convinced George is cheating on you, seems to me you have two choices. You can leave him, or—"
"Leave George? Never! Oh, Lisa, I couldn't live without George!" Clarice wailed and broke into almost uncontrollable sobs.
For a moment Lisa was too amazed to speak. Nothing about hating George, or what about the children and how would we manage. Just, "I couldn't live without George." She had been wrong. The only man Clarice would ever want to be involved with was George.
"If you can't live without him," she said, "then you must fight for him."
Clarice lifted a tear-stained face. "Oh, I couldn't do that. I could never confront George and demand—"
"I didn't say confront him. I said fight for him."
"How do I do that?"
"I've heard that the only way to compete with another woman is to make his time with you better and happier than his time with her. Make your place and yourself desirable and exciting."
Clarice shook her head. "That's all right for you. You have time to make yourself beautiful and desirable."
"Clarice! With all the time in the world I could never be as beautiful as you!"
Clarice's eyes brightened at the compliment. Then she sighed. "But I'm pretty dull, I guess. I don't have an exciting job or anything. Just feeding and diapering, and—"
'This is your job!" Suddenly Lisa was angry. 'The most important job in the world. More exciting than being a homecoming queen. But not if you lie around on your butt eating chocolates all day. You have to work at it like any other job!" Lisa did lots of talking. Got Clarice's attention when she finished with, "if you don't want to live without George."
Still, she knew Clarice needed help. She spent two days with her, scrubbing, polishing, and bringing in flowers to "make sure you are the most desirable."
"It even smells pretty," Betsy announced, "and I'm not going to let Todd mess things up."
Lisa treated Clarice to a day at Hera's and shopped with her for "Sexy, stay-at-home clothes," she said, winking at Clarice. "Something Miss Other Woman can't wear at the office."
Late Saturday afternoon, she decided she had done all she could. They had made a start. The rest was up to Clarice, who was looking very pretty, very excited, and very determined. "Just be as sweet as you look, and everything is going to be all right," Lisa assured her, and believed that it would.
She had driven only two blocks when she saw George, in his blue Ford, heading home. She honked, attracting his attention. He was in this, too, she thought, and maybe a little talking would
help. She parked and waited for George, who had parked on the other side, to come across the street.
"Well, if it isn't the beautiful boss lady herself!" he said, beaming at her. "Long way from those buck teeth, huh?"
"And you needn't remind me, George Wells."
"Just remembering you fondly," he said, laughing. "Don't see much of you these days, but Clarice keeps me informed. Do you just come visiting when I'm not at home?"
"Of course I visit when you're not there. Seems you never are."
"Oh. Clarice complaining?"
"Wouldn't you? What's going on, George?"
"Work. Been working from can to can't."
"Neglecting your family in the meantime?"
"Guess so... somewhat... I'm beat, Lisa. All I can do is hit the sack when I finally get home."
"Oh?"
He frowned. "I didn't want to tell Clarice. Wanted to surprise her. The house and the kids are getting too much for her, poor kid. And never a vacation. I've been working overtime as much as I could. Trying to raise a stake so I could take her to New York or Atlantic City for a little break. There's a good chance I'll get another
promotion. Head dispatcher. Then I could hire a cleaning woman/'
"Oh, George, that's wonderful," Lisa said, feeling a surge of relief. "I mean, the promotions. You're really getting ahead. And you're right. Clarice could use a vacation."
"Yeah, but maybe I should tell her why I'm working overtime."
"No, don't. It would be such a nice surprise." A little worry won't hurt Clarice, she reasoned, and if it gives her a boost, so much the better. George needs some tender loving care. She grinned as she waved goodbye. He was in line for a surprise himself.
How wrong I was, she thought as she drove home. Those two were still madly in love with each other. So much in love that George was blind to a slovenly wife, a poorly kept house. All he could see was that Clarice was overloaded and needed a break. And Clarice, for all her complaints, knew with certainty that she "could not live without George."
Glands. Maybe they were the determining factor. Or maybe it wasn't glands at all. But something deeper. Something that made one oblivious to altered appearances, imperfections, or faulty behavior.
But it went deeper than that. An exhilarating all-consuming feeling that made you know that
this was the one man in all the world that you could not live without.
Did she feel like that about Jake?
She did not.
To marry him would be to cheat him.
around her and rocked back and forth, laughing. "No wonder I love you."
"Oh, stop it, Jake!" She hugged him back, and looked earnestly up at him. "It wasn't just because you're rich. You'd be a perfect husband."
"Oh? I've not been told that before. In fact, just the opposite. The consensus is that I'd be a terrible husband."
"Well, the consensus is wrong. You're good-natured, lovable, kind, generous, and fun to be with. All any woman could ask."
"Except you."
"Yes. I didn't have the good sense to fall in love with you. I'm sorry, but I hope... we'll still be friends, won't we?"
"Of course. And you needn't be sorry. I'm disappointed. But not surprised."
"You're not?"
"No. I kept hoping, but I knew you didn't love me."
"How did you know?"
"Because I read you pretty well. Probably better than you read yourself."
"Oh? Between the lines, huh?"
"Pretty much. I'm more of an observer than I'm given credit for."
"And what do you observe about me?"
"That you're a planner. You've got the future script carefully written out, far in advance."
She wrinkled her nose, thinking about it. "Okay. Maybe you're right. That's good, isn't it?"
"Not for you. Your heart's too big."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Plans are thought out in your head. But your heart doesn't think. It only feels. And your heart, being the kind it is, sneaks in between the lines of that carefully written script and blows all of it to hell and back."
She didn't laugh. She simply stared at him. 4 'What are you really saying, Jake?"
' 'That maybe you're in love with someone else."
That big heart he talked about., .she felt it swelling within her, almost choking her. "Why do you say that?" she whispered.
Tve seen you look at him. Mind you, there are only two occasions when I've been together with the two of you. But both times it was for a whole day. And, as I said, I'm a keen observer." I A don't want to be in love with... anyone else * She didn't dare call his name. She didn't have to
'Plans, huh?" Yes" k Plans can get you in trouble."
She almost laughed. She had thought it was ulands But that's just it. There are no plans in
that direction. Ours is purely a business relationship."
"Oh, come off it, Lisa. That time in L.A. when I came in and kissed you, you shot a glance at him like you were asking his permission.''
"It.. .it was just that I was surprised to see you, and—"
"Like hell it was. It burned me up!"
"You didn't act burned up."
"Ego, my dear. I don't easily admit defeat." He sighed. "I'm admitting it now. Tell me. Why are you resisting your heart?"
"I'm not."
"Are you denying that you love Scot?"
She couldn't deny it. "I told you we hardly see each other out of the office. We've never discussed—"
"Are you denying it?"
"Oh, why are you pressuring me?"
"Because Scot is the only man I'd want to have you if I can't."
"That's ridiculous. Scot isn't..."
"In love with you? Ha! He's so crazy about you he can't think straight."
She blinked. "You think..." Her voice trailed in the wonder, and hope flickered in her heart.
"It's just possible he loves you more than I."
She tried to absorb the feeling, the exhilaration. He loves me. I didn't know, hadn't thought... She had been too busy wrestling with
her own feelings, trying to resist what now seemed too good to be true.
Jake gave a heavy sigh. "I wish you wouldn't look so delighted at this bit of news."
"Oh." She looked up at him, trying not to seem delighted. "It.. .it surprises me. Anyway, how can you know?"
"I know he almost hit me with his golf club when he thought I might be... er... trifling with your affections. And he really blew his top when I informed him that my intentions were honorable, that I was going to marry you."
"You told him that!"
He grinned. "Okay. So I lied. But I knew he wouldn't cut in on me if it were true. And, anyway, you hadn't said no. I was still hoping."
"Oh, Jake," was all she could say.
"All's fair in love, Lisa. Think about it. And think about where your heart is." He touched a gentle finger to her cheek. "Shall we sail down the coast a bit before we go back?"
He loves me, he loves me, he loves me. It was a song running through her mind, blocking out everything else.
Think about where your heart is, Jake had said. She couldn't stop thinking about it.
Her heart was with Scot, wherever he was, whatever he was doing. And her heart told her she wanted to be with him. Always and forever.
Her heart told her that she didn't care that he was a corporate ladder climber. To tell the truth, that was one of the things she liked about him. She was glad he was one of the movers and shakers that kept the economy going. Ambitious ladder climbers she had called them. True, many were ambitious just for themselves—Sam Elliot came to mind. But, whatever the ambition, they were all in there pitching, making a difference. In whatever field they worked, they were the ones building the economy, eliminating poverty throughout the world, weren't they? As important as anyone bent on building a marriage.
Marriage. She still wanted to marry, to have children, to stay at home with them.
But only if the marriage partner, the father, was Scot.
What did Scot Harding want?
She didn't know. How could she have worked so closely with him for three years and not know?
Because she had not wanted to know, to love him. She had thought of him as a business automaton.
How could she have thought that? When she had come to know him so well. She had observed his compassion with Jefrey. She had seen him at ease with Clarice's children. She had danced, had fun with him.
She had kissed him...
How had she not known that this was the man she could not live without?
And whatever he wanted, she wanted. If he were adverse to marriage ... If he wanted her to continue working as his assistant...
Yes, she would do that. Because she wanted to be always near him. And because he needed someone to care, to look after him.
He needed a wife.
Well, she was trained to be one, wasn't she!
She was like a cat on a hot tin roof as she awaited his return from Hawaii.
Jake said Scot loved her, didn't he?
Oh... what did Jake know?
The flight from Hawaii was boo-oo-ring. Nine hours to New York, and an hour on the company chopper to Wilmington. Driving home, he began to gather his thoughts for tomorrow.
He must get Miss Wilson, Lisa, out of his daily sight. The past few days had been real torture. She did her work okay, maybe even better, if that could be. But this absolute correctness of behavior was driving him up the wall. Particularly when he wanted her greater than sin. He'd not admitted it out loud—and wouldn't, certainly not now.
He should have replaced her when this thing began to get out of hand.
When was that?
Probably that first kiss. When he had come to her apartment. Those kids were there and both she and the place had looked a mess. But she had had the business together, and he... It had been a light, simple congratulatory kiss. But it had jolted the hell out of him. He had ignored it. The other times...
Oh, hell! He'd replace her tomorrow... first thing.
She would fit nicely in the satellite office in New Haven. He seldom had to go there. If he did, he'd make sure it was after she had retired to the lap of luxury with Jake. He wondered how soon that would be.
When he got to the office next morning, Lisa was, as usual already in place.
"Good morning, Mr. Harding," came the cheerful intonation. "I've changed the blend this morning. I hope you like it. It's Mocha Supreme."
"Okay. I probably will," he said rather absently, his mind rehearsing what he had to say. "Lisa, would you please sit down."
She sat, looking at him in a strange way. Studying his face as if to find... what? It made him nervous.
He cleared his throat. "I've pondered the matter of your career development."
* 'My career development!''
"Why. . .er... yes." Why did she look like he had slapped her face? Her expression, the way she kept staring at him... He felt even more uncomfortable and began to speak rapidly. "You are familiar with our satellite office. You know, the Think Tank in New Haven?"
Lisa nodded, but her eyes still held his. Like someone waiting for a shoe to drop.
He cleared his throat again, and tried to keep his voice steady.
"Mr. Cummings, VP for R. and D., has for a long time had need of a Chief of Staff. In fact, he's asked about your availability some time back. But I thought you might not wish to change your agenda then. But now...well, things are different."
"Different? You're trying to get rid of me?"
"Yes. That is... No!" He blundered on. "You've been a top-notch assistant to me. And you deserve to move up. Moreover, this will be a substantial salary increase, and... Why are you staring at me like that?"
"I'm trying to see if what Jake said is true."
Jake. "Right. Salary increase...a joke," he said, sending a pencil spinning across his desk. "As if money will have any effect in your new station. Nor would you, I suppose, be interested in any job."
"Aren't you interested in what Jake said?"
"Not particularly/'
"It interested me. He said you love me."
Damn him. "He didn't have to rub it in."
"Do you love me?"
He sighed, nodded. "Yes. That's why I thought... Darn it, Lisa. It's difficult to... Well, it's better you work somewhere else until you marry. When, by the way, is the great event coming off?"
"You haven't asked."
For a full minute he couldn't speak. She was smiling, a tender smile that touched his heart, turned his despair into hope. "Jake?" he managed.
"Doesn't feel inclined to marry a woman who is madly in love with someone else." Now there was no mistaking the message in her eyes.
"Lisa! Oh, Lisa!" His chair slammed back. He was on his feet, reaching for her. In a moment she was in his arms, and he was kissing her, drinking in the sweet precious essence of her love. Feeling the kindle of desire, the vibrations of passion surge through him. Reveling in the relief, the joy that she was his. "I've been through pure hell, loving you so much."
"And never showing it," she said. "You never once said you loved me."
"Didn't know. You said it was glands," he teased, his lips nuzzling her ear.
Her soft moan told him her desire equalled his, but when at last she spoke, she sounded wary.
"Oh, Scot, maybe it is.. .just glands, I mean." She looked earnestly up at him. "I only know that when you touch me or just look at me in a certain way I go all hollow and eager inside."
"Keep feeling that way, love."
"But it's almost..." She hesitated and he looked down to see that she was actually blushing. "Oh, I want you so much that nothing else in the whole world matters."
This was his Lisa, direct and blatantly honest. He smiled.
"It's shameful." She sighed and lay her head on his shoulder. "But it's true. I only want to be with you. I certainly don't want any promotion or any other job. I'll keep working as your assistant since you're against marriage."
"I never said anything like that," he said, quite shocked. It was true that he had been somewhat against marriage, but he'd never said so to her, had he?
"Well, you said I was silly to call it an occupation and plot and plan to-r" His buzzer interrupted and she switched it on. "Yes, Celes?"
Scot cut in. "Hold all calls, Celes. I'm in the middle of something.'' He switched off the buzzer and turned to Lisa. "I'm planning the most important phase of my life. Marriage to the only woman I could ever love."
"You're sure?"
"You don't think I'd waste all your careful preparation, do you?"
"Children and all?"
"Children and all. What does your book say about rushed wedding plans?"
"Oh, Scot, I do love you. And I promise I'll be the best wife ever. I won't even complain when you have to make those long trips."
"You won't have to. I've moved up the corporate ladder. While in Hawaii, I was called and informed that I had been elected Chairman of the Board. So now I'll have a lovely bride that will make the members more comfortable. Protocol almost insists that the board prexy be accompanied by his wife when travel is required."
"President!" Lisa beamed. "Oh, Scot, that's wonderful. You'll be perfect. I can see you, your eyes on the smallest detail while keeping track of the largest project. And with your clear thinking and honest approach, your compassion and concern for everyone. Oh, there are so many things I love about you, Scot. It's not just glands."
"That's good to know. But, meanwhile..." A wry smile twisted his lips as he pulled her into his arms. "Let's check the glands."
brings you
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Watch for:
#3445 MARRY ME by Heather Allison
TV presenter Alicia Hartson is a romantic: she believes in Cupid, champagne and roses, and Mr. Right. Tony Domenico is not Mr. Right! He's cynical, demanding and unromantic. Where Alicia sees happy endings, her boss sees ratings. But they do say that opposites attract, and it is Valentine's Day!
Available in February wherever Harlequin books are sold.
Look us up on-line at httpV/www.romance.net
BEST2
Ring in the New Year with babies, families and romance!
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION:
4
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Add a dash of romance to your
holiday celebrations with this
delightful, heartwarming collection
from three outstanding romance
0 authors—bestselling author
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^ " award winners
Anne Stuart and Margot Dalton.
^HARLEQETIN®
Look us up on-line at: http^/www.romance.net nyrb
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We are proud to announce the birth of our new bouncing baby series—Baby Boom!
Each month in 1997 well be bringing you your very own bundle of joy—a cute, delightful romance by one of your favorite authors. Our heroes and heroines are about to discover that two's company and three (or four.. .or five) is a family!
This exciting new series is all about the true labor of love...
Parenthood, and how to survive it!
Watch for:
#3443 THREE UTILE MIRACLES
by Rebecca Winters
Tracey couldn't forget the devastating secret that had forced her
to run out on Julien Chappelle four days after their honeymoon.
What she hadn't counted on was that her brief marriage had left
more than memories. A set of adorable triplets who needed
their mom to come home! It seemed Tracey had only one
motive for leaving, and three reasons to stay....
Available in February wherever Harlequin books are sold.
Look us up on-line at: http^/www. romance.net babyb2
HARLEQUIN*
Don't miss these Harlequin favorites by some of our most
distinguished authors!
And now, you can receive a discount by ordering two or more titles!
HT#25646 THREE GROOMS AND A WIFE by JoAnn Ross HT#25647 NOT THIS GUY by Glenda Sanders HP#11725 THE WRONG KIND OF WIFE by Roberta Leigh HP#11755 TIGER EYES by Robyn Donald HR#03416 A WIFE IN WAITING by Jessica Steele HR#03419 KIT AND THE COWBOY by Rebecca Winters HS#70622 KIM & THE COWBOY by Margot Dalton HS#70642 MONDAY'S CHILD by Janice Kaiser Hl#22342 BABY VS. THE BAR by M.J. Rodgers Hl#22362 SEE ME IN YOUR DREAMS by Patricia Rosemoor HAR#16538 KISSED BY THE SEA by Rebecca Flanders HAR#16603 MOMMY ON BOARD by Muriel Jensen HH#28885 DESERT ROGUE by Erine Yorke HH#28911 THE NORMAN'S HEART by Margaret Moore (limited quantities available on certain titles)
$
$3.25 U.S. □ $3.75 CAN. □ $3.25 U.S. □ $3.75 CAN. □
$3.25 u.s. n
$3.75 CAN. □ $3.25 U.S. □ $3.75 CAN. □ $3.25 U.S. □ $3.75 CAN. n $3.25 U.S. □ $3.75 CAN. □ $3.50 U.S. n $3.99 CAN. □ $3.75 U.S. □ $4.25 CAN. □ $3.50 U.S. □ $3.99 CAN. □ $3.75 U.S. □ $4.25 CAN. □ $3.50 U.S. □ $3.99 CAN. □ $3.50 U.S. n $3.99 CAN. U $4.50 U.S. □ $4.99 CAN. □ $4.50 U.S. H $4.99 CAN. □
AMOUNT DEDUCT: 10% DISCOUNT FOR 2+ BOOKS
ADD: POSTAGE & HANDLING $
($1.00 for one book, 500 for each additional)
APPLICABLE TAXES* $
TQTAIPAYAPIE $
(check or money order—please do not send cash)
To order, complete this form and send it, along with a check or money order for the total above, payable to Harlequin Books, to: In the U.S.: 3010 Walden Avenue, P.O. Box 9047, Buffalo. NY 14269-9047; In Canada: P.O. Box 613, Fort Erie, Ontario, L2A5X3.
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*New York residents remit applicable sales taxes. Canadian residents remit applicable GST and provincial taxes. Look us up on-line at: http://www.romance.net
HBACK-JM4
Coming Next Month
Next month for Valentine's Day Harlequin Romance brings you:
KIDS AND KISSES...
#3443 THREE LITTLE MIRACLES Rebecca Winters Baby Boom
Despite her amnesia, Tracey couldn't forget the devastating secret that had forced her to run out on Mien Chappelle four days after their honeymoon. But it seemed Tracey had only one motive for leaving and three reasons that she should stay: a set of adorable triplets who needed their mom to come home!
Baby Boom: Two's company and five's a family!
A TALL SEXY HUSBAND...
#3444 THE PERFECT DIVORCE! Leigh Michaels
The perfect divorce was falling apart! Synnamon's marriage to Conner Welles had been one of convenience. They planned to part amicably on Valentine's Day—if only Synnamon hadn't realized she loved her husband after all.. .and was pregnant with his child!
CHAMPAGNE AND ROSES...
#3445 MARRY ME Heather Allison Simply the Best
Tony Domenico is cynical, demanding and unromantic. Where TV presenter Alicia Hartson sees happy endings, her boss sees ratings. But this Valentine's Day they have to work together and well.. .they do say that opposites attract!
Simply the Best: Authors you'll treasure, books you'll want to keep!
AND CHOCOLATE!
#3446 SWEET VALENTINE Val Daniels
Autumn has a cookie-bouquet business to run. But her business is about to go bust, and so she hires the expert advice of Brad Barnett. Brad is drop-dead gorgeous: will she be able to resist his sweet charms?
AVAILABLE THIS MONTH:
#3439 MARRIAGE BAIT #3441 RUNAWAY HONEYMOON
Eva Rutland Ruth Jean Dale
#3440 SHOTGUN MARRIAGE #3442 TWO-PARENT FAMILY
Day Leclaire Patricia Knoll