Chapter Five
“Carrie, where are you?”
Chad’s voice pulled her from a particularly vivid fantasy involving Tony. “Upstairs.”
“What are you doing?”
“Unpacking.” She dropped a uniform and hurried from the bedroom. Now wasn’t the time for discovery. She started downstairs.
“Here.” Chad thrust a bag into her hand. “Are you mad at me?”
“Should I be?”
“Dad said I was rude ‘cause I didn’t invite you to come with us.”
“You weren’t. Your dad asked and I turned him down. I had to unpack my clothes before I was forced to do laundry. What did you bring me?”
“Black licorice. Dad says it’s your favorite and you like it better than chocolate. I’ve never tasted it.”
“Want to try a piece?”
“Sure.”
She wanted to hug him, except theirs was an easily damaged relationship. With Chad, she needed caution and patience. She handed him a licorice stick and popped one into her mouth.
Tony strode into the foyer. “You’re corrupting him.”
“Just teaching him what’s good.” She stuck out her tongue.
“Chocolate’s good.”
Chad laughed. “Your tongue is black. Gross. Will mine turn too?”
“Sure will.”
Chad turned to his father. “See, Dad, I told you she wasn’t mad.”
“Guess you did.” Tony winked. “Bet you thought I’d forgotten what you like.”
For an instant, his eyes reflected interest and desire. The fleeting glimpse gave her hope that one day soon, she’d be able to climb over the barriers he’d erected.
“Chad, time for bed,” Tony said. “Be up in a few.”
“Okay. Night, Carrie.” He handed her the licorice. “Don’t think I like this.”
“Just remember a taste for something different takes time and exposure. Night.”
Tony leaned against the newel post. He arched a brow. “Your thought for the day?”
“Maybe.”
Halfway up the steps, Chad stopped. “Carrie, what are you going to be for the party?”
“It’s a surprise.” One guaranteed to catch Tony’s attention if her choice of a bedroom didn’t.
“You gotta help Dad with his. He was gonna be a doctor.”
“I’ll think of something.”
Tony leaned against the wall. “Remember when we bounced around like that?”
“Eons ago. There should be an instant energy transfusion for parents.”
He laughed. “Figure how and you’ll make a fortune. Thanks.”
“For what?”
“Being so patient with him.”
“He’s a good kid, especially when he forgets he’s angry. Once he understands how much you love and want him, he’ll be fine.”
And once he sees his mother’s selfishness, she thought. For an instant, she considered telling Tony some of the things Chad had said about his mother and her new husband. Would Tony believe her? He seemed to avoid any mention of Marilyn, and he certainly never criticized her behavior. Any attack, even a mild one, would look like jealousy.
“What did you have for supper?” he asked.
“A hot roast beef sandwich. Even Hazel’s left-overs are scrumptious.”
“And I ended up with a thin burger and greasy fries.” He pulled away from the wall. “Let me get up to Chad. His costume is great, but we could have saved you the bother and bought one.”
“Then he and I wouldn’t have had time together. We had fun and no one will have one like his. He needs to feel special.”
“You’re right.”
Carrie watched until he vanished. A long sigh escaped. Every time she thought he was ready to respond to her as a woman, he backed away.
With a shrug, she went to the kitchen and took a handful of cookies from the jar. Frustration, she thought. If I’m not careful, I’ll gain a hundred pounds.
She savored one of the cookies. Gingersnaps had never been among her favorites, but these were wonderful. Spicy and chewy.
Tony strolled into the room and took one of the cookies from her plate. “That was mine.” She swatted his hand.
“I know.” He took a bite. “Don’t friends share?”
An undercurrent in his voice made her hope. She pushed the plate toward him. “Help yourself. Better for my health
if you eat them.”
“But worse for mine.” He nudged the plate back.
“There must be six dozen more in the freezer, plus several other kinds. How often does she bake?”
“About once a week. I’ll take some to the clinic Monday. Hazel thinks she’s still baking for five sons.”
“Five. Do they live around here?”
“They’re off in five directions -- all military.” He held out a cookie. “Eat.”
“I’d rather steal a blondie. She made three pans of each for the bake sale.”
“I wouldn’t touch. She’d know.”
“Then I’ll buy them.”
“Plan on being first in line. Her baked goods go fast.” He filled a mug with coffee. “Chad’s right. I need a costume. Any ideas?”
She had a number of inappropriate notions, mostly involving skimpy clothes, like loin cloths or fig leaves. “Since Chad’s going as King Arthur. I found a crown in one of my boxes. Why don’t you go as Merlin? I still have the robe Mom made for you when you were a wise-man in the Christmas pageant at church.”
“Do you save everything?” Tony chuckled. “It’s a good idea. What will you be? A dragon.”
“That’s Saint George, but something like that. Just
say my costume fits the theme.”
“Guinivere? Lady of the Lake? Lancelot?”
“I’ll never tell.” She rolled her shoulders to relieve the aches of the past week’s intensive labor. Tony rose and
stood behind her. With a firm touch, he kneaded her muscles. She bit her lip to contain a moan of pleasure. She wished, but he was just being a friend.
“Sorry.”
“Why? Felt wonderful. I don’t have a muscle that doesn’t hurt.”
“You have been busy.” He straddled the chair across from her. “The place is looking great. What’s your next project?”
“I’m not sure. Maybe the living room.” She tried to read the expression on his face, but his eyes were shuttered.
“Again, thanks for being so great with Chad.”
“I’ve been where he is and done the rebellion thing.”
“But he should have asked you to come with us.”
She propped her elbows on the table. “He needs time alone with you, and that’s fine with me. Asking me to a party where his friends are is a big step.”
“You’re right. So what are your plans for the rest of the evening? Want to unpack some boxes in the family room? I’ll help.”
She shook her head. “Nope. It’s veg time for me with
some mindless entertainment.”
“Mind if I join you?”
Like butterfly wings, hope fluttered. “I’d like that.” Though she wished for more, his company was a start toward her goal.
Two hours later when the ten o’clock news began, she glanced at Tony. Her breath caught in her throat. Asleep, he was too, too appealing. She wanted him, but she couldn’t make the first move. He’d married her because they were friends. He’d reject any attempt she made to change the bargain.
“I’m going up,” she said.
“Um.”
She shook her head. So much for being a stimulating companion. She’d put him to sleep. Would she be on the periphery of his attention until her hair turned gray?
Upstairs, she filled the large claw foot tub in the bathroom between hers and Tony’s bedrooms. She added a generous portion of bubble bath. As she slid into the steaming water, she sighed. The heat felt almost as wonderful as Tony’s hands.
*********************************************
As soon as Carrie left, Tony stretched. The evening of
togetherness had strained his good intentions and his jeans. If she hadn’t left, he would have made a move destined for failure. Anticipating another restless night, he headed up the stairs.
He stripped off his shirt. A cold shower was his goal. He crossed the room and opened the bathroom door. His hand tightened on the knob.
Carrie! What was she doing in here!
The room he’d given her had no connection to the master suite. He held in a groan.
Why was she doing this to him?
Clouds of bubbles filled the tub. They shifted to reveal tantalizing glimpses of her skin. He ached. He throbbed. Her leg emerged from the bubbles and he nearly lost control. His grip on the doorknob tightened until he was sure he’d dent the metal. If he didn’t move, he’d be in deep trouble.
He eased the door shut. Had she heard him? Seen him? Sensed his presence? He pressed his forehead against the wood and willed his body to behave.
She was his wife, yet he felt like a Peeping Tom. She was his wife and he had a right to desire her. Except, she was his wife in a marriage becoming more inconvenient by the second.
He dragged his thoughts from temptation. He would
handle this madness. She didn’t want him, just his name. Though there’d been times he’d caught her watching him with what he thought was desire, he refused to make the first move. The rules of the marriage had been set by her.
In three weeks, they’d see the lawyer. Not long after that, she’d return to the night shift and for three nights a week, he wouldn’t lie awake and think about her body and his twined together in his bed. Three weeks wasn’t soon enough. He groaned. By the time her inheritance was released, he’d be ready for a padded cell.
*******************************************
Carrie caught a glimpse of Tony in the full-length mirror. His expression pulsed with desire. She reached for the sponge and began to wash her leg. Would the rest of her fantasy happen?
The door closed. She watched the bubbles burst until there were none left. Tonight’s plan had failed, but she hadn’t given up. One loss didn’t mean the end of hope.
She drained the tub and pulled the tee shirt he’d loaned her over her head. Since her visit here, the shirt had become her preferred sleeping garment. She pressed her forehead against the door leading to his room. He was on the other side.
What if she popped in and cried “Surprise? She grasped the knob.
And then what?
Patience.
How long?
He married you out of friendship, out of like, not love. Just wait.
When she entered her bedroom, her body vibrated with suppressed needs. Erotic possibilities filled her thoughts. The mattress was too soft, or maybe too hard. The room was too hot and too cold.
As she wrestled with illusive sleep, she remembered the mail she’d brought from the apartment. There’d been a manila envelope from Mr. Hurcutt. A session with legalese might be an excellent soporific.
As she left her room, the door creaked. She waited a moment to see if she’d disturbed Tony. Then she headed downstairs and retrieved the envelope from the family room.
She smelled coffee. Had she forgotten to unplug the pot? She strode down the hall.
Tony stood at the counter. Gray sweats rode low on his hips. Her gaze caressed his shirtless back.
Oh lord, the man was delicious.
Do something?
What?
Before this insane marriage ended, the white coats would come for her. She just might go willingly.
He turned. She sucked in a breath. The dark hair on his chest waited to be touched. His well-developed muscles were there for her to stroke.
Why not? He was her husband. Unfortunately, he still loved his ex-wife. She’d heard the hurt in his voice every time he said that woman’s name. Carrie knew she couldn’t allow herself to become more vulnerable.
“Couldn’t sleep?”
The rumble of his voice sensitized her nerves. Why had she come downstairs? Definitely not to make a move guaranteed to make her look like a fool. This encounter called for a subtle approach and she was used to wielding sledgehammers. Besides, she’d had little experience in the art of seduction.
She waved the envelope. “Picked this up today at the apartment. From Mr. Hurcutt. Copies of the will for us to read.”
“Do we still have to meet with him?”
She nodded. “I asked him to send this. The day he read the will, all I heard was the amount of money, that I had to be married and my husband had control over the use of my inheritance.”
“I bet you were in shock over receiving a legacy with
strings attached...Coffee?”
“I was going to make tea.”
“I’ll do that.”
“Does Hazel work weekends?”
“Only if I need her to watch Chad. Otherwise, we’re on our own. One of us will have to make breakfast.”
She rolled her eyes. “We’ll eat out. My treat.”
“Chad will be happy. He’s tired of scrambled eggs and cold cereal.”
She looked at the clock. Only eleven. It should be later. While the water boiled, she opened the packet and discovered the attorney had sent two copies. She put one beside Tony’s mug. He carried a cup and saucer to the table. She rose and got an ice cube.
He laughed. “You still do that.”
She slipped the cube into the cup. “Lukewarm tea tastes the best.”
“If you say so.” He reached for his mug. “I’ll drink iced tea in the summer, but coffee does it for me.”
A kiss would do it for me, she thought.
He lifted the will and began to read. She wanted to run her fingers through his thick curls. She wanted to taste the coffee flavor of his mouth. She wanted what she’d never had.
The phone rang. Tony grabbed the receiver. “Dr. Flynn
here...Marilyn.”
In her haste to leave the room, Carrie nearly spilled her tea. Hearing him talk to the woman who had hurt him was more than she could handle tonight.
Tony frowned. Why had Carrie bolted? Surely she didn’t think there were vibes from his long dead marriage?
“Hold on, Marilyn. What did you say?”
“That Brian and I are back and I had a divine time. Wait until you see the magnificent rubies and the marvelous silks he bought me. But that’s not why I called.”
“And why was that?”
“To share my wonderful news. I know you’ll be pleased for me. That’s why I can’t have Chad over Thanksgiving or Christmas. Brian doesn’t want me to overdo, especially when we’ll have dozens of social obligations. I’m sure you’ll agree.”
Tony gripped the phone. “Have you considered Chad’s feelings? He’s been waiting for your return. He expects to live with you.”
“Haven’t you told him he’s not?”
“You said you had. Besides, you made the decision. It’s your place to tell him.”
“Tony, please. There wasn’t time in the rush of wedding preparations. I just can’t have him here. He’ll be jealous of my baby.”
“What baby?”
“Brian’s heir. The man’s so proud and treats me like a queen. Just think, I’m going to have the Brinker heir.”
“What about Chad?”
“He’s yours.”
Tony raked his hair. “You have visitation rights. Two weekends a month and holidays. Should I bring him next weekend?”
“You haven’t heard a thing I’ve said. Why won’t you ever listen? That’s why our marriage failed. Things had to be your way.”
“Marilyn, you have to tell him.”
“Me? I don’t need the stress. I’ll mail his presents. I bought him a tee shirt in every port we visited. It’s not that I don’t want him, but he’s a difficult child and has taken a dislike to Brian. I had him for seven years. It’s your turn now and Brian agrees. Ciao.”
“Marilyn...Wait...Damn.”
He wanted to smash the wall or do something equally destructive. Instead, he jammed the papers in the envelope and strode upstairs. Good thing Carrie hadn’t stayed. She would have seen him at his worst.
**************************************************
“Carrie, are you coming?” Chad called.
Tony adjusted his hold on the crystal ball and grinned at his son. “You look ready for a battle.”
“Do you think I’ll win a prize? Carrie, hurry up. We’re gonna be late.”
“I’m on my way.”
Tony glanced toward the head of the stairs. Oh lord, she was going to drive him crazy. Though her costume covered her from head to toes, more of her curves than he needed to see were revealed.
A black cat. A wizard’s familiar.
His wife had just become more of an inconvenience, a feat he’d thought impossible. Why me? He gripped the banister.
“Wow,” Chad said. “They’re awesome. Where’d you find them?”
“In a costume shop. Watch.” She opened and closed her hands. The claws extended and retracted.
Chad touched one. “Cool. They look real but they’re soft. Wait ‘til my friends see them.”
Tony stifled a groan. Wait until every man at the school saw his wife.
Carrie reached for her jacket. Tony swallowed. “Don’t you have a long coat? It’s cold out there.” And hot in here, he thought. Thank heavens the wizard’s robe covered
his reaction to her costume.
“We’ll be in the car.” Her eyes held a saucy challenge. He scowled. This wasn’t the time to accept. She had set the terms of their agreement. Tonight, his neighbors and colleagues would meet his wife, the kitten he’d rather find curled in his bed.
Outside the school, Carrie adjusted Chad’s crown to a rakish angle. “Sire, you look great.”
He grinned. “See you. Gotta tell my friends about your claws.”
Carrie bent to lift the cookie containers from the back seat. Tony’s gaze focused on her nicely rounded rear and her trim legs. They had to go inside. He had to keep his hands off her. By the end of the evening, he’d be hopping like a ton of Mexican jumping beans.
“You’ve made his day,” Tony said.
“Speaking of Chad...What did Marilyn want?”
Her question acted like a blast of frigid air. “To let me know they’re back.”
“Did she want Chad this weekend?”
“Far from that, but let’s not get into it now.”
“Later then.” She walked toward the all-purpose room.
Tony’s gaze followed the sway of her hips. He was in deeper trouble than he’d thought possible. They had to talk but not about Marilyn and Chad. He had to find a way to
tell her how he’d been a fool years ago and how he had failed her and himself. Then they needed to find a way to help him keep his bargain. He wanted her, but he couldn’t swear to love her or give her a commitment. Deep inside, he feared he’d be like his father and just walk away.
Laughter, lights and the cacophony of a multitude of voices poured through the open door. A kaleidoscope of people wearing colorful costumes moved about the room. Tony spotted the pair of nurse practitioners and the clinical nurse manager of the clinic at the bake sale table. Carrie reached them and put the cookie containers down. Moments later, Chad and three of his friends converged to admire Carrie’s claws.
“Tony.” The clinic’s nurse midwife waved. “Come over and introduce your wife.” She leaned toward Carrie and said something.
Carrie’s throaty laughter electrified him. Though she stood half a room away, distance failed to blunt his reaction. Into the fire, he thought and strode to the cluster of women.
***********************************************
Carrie watched Tony and listened to the three women. How much had he told them about the reason for the marriage? They were his friends and colleagues. She thought of the many nights she’d discussed the situation with Grace. Had he also talked?
“I hear you’re a nurse,” Beth, the pediatric nurse practitioner, said.
“That’s right.”
“Currently employed?” Ruth asked.
“Sort of,” Carrie said. “I’m on vacation and a leave of absence following that. I’m not sure I want to continue the long commute.”
“Interested in the clinic?” Ruth asked. “There’s an opening and I’m the one doing the hiring.”
“How do you feel about a husband and wife working together?” Especially if they’ve decided to end the marriage, Carrie thought.
“As long as they’re professionals, it shouldn’t be a problem. Would you have difficulty working with Tony?”
Carrie felt her cheeks heat. She might have a problem with daydreaming, but never with challenges to her professional behavior. At least she hoped she wouldn’t. “I think I can handle the situation.”
“What’s your specialty?”
Carrie shrugged. “I’ve a BSN and have been working in the ED and Peds. Thirteen hour night shifts.”
“How would you feel about days?” Ruth asked. “And
floating between in and out patient. For now, the job is nine to five.”
“Sounds like heaven.” Carrie grinned. If she worked with Tony, he couldn’t ignore her. She heard his deep laughter and lost her focus on the conversation. Even in a billowing magician’s robe, he was tempting.
“Monday at one,” Ruth said.
“Why?” Carrie glanced at the trio.
“For an interview,” Ruth said. “When can you start?”
“In two weeks. I’ll need to see about reciprocity for my license and there are things I want to do in the house.”
“I can help with the license,” Ruth said.
“What are you doing in the house?” Jane asked.
“Some painting and re-decorating.”
“About time,” Beth said.
Ruth looked at the clock. “Time for us to man the food concession.”
“Can I help?” Carrie asked.
“Be glad to have you.” Beth winked. “With you on board, we’ll clear a mint. All the dads will want a closer look at Tony’s wife.”
Jane laughed. “Can’t wait to see his reaction to the ogles.”
Would he even notice? Carrie wondered. Ten minutes after making the introductions, he’d charged away. She joined the three women in the kitchen and soon was busy serving hot dogs, pizza, barbecued beef, fries, desserts and drinks.
Once the rush ended, the costume parade began. Carrie sat with her new acquaintances and watched the children march around the room.
“Chad’s costume is super,” Ruth said. “Where did you find it?”
“We made it.”
Jane looked at her friends. “Carrie, you’re hereby drafted to help with the Christmas play. We need costumes with imagination.”
“And with the PTA Follies in the spring,” Beth said.
Before Carrie found a way to refuse, Chad ran over. “I won. First prize. A certificate to the toy store at the mall. Want to come with Dad and me tomorrow? You can help me choose.”
“I’d like that.”
“Dad and I are going to the haunted house. Not the real one though. Want to come? Everybody says it’s creepy.”
Carrie looked at the cluttered kitchen. “Do you mind if I go?”
“No problem,” Ruth said. “You’ve been a great help. See you on Monday.”
Carrie and Tony followed Chad into the dark tunnel leading to the haunted house. Luminous spiders hung in gauzy webs. Eerie laughter, moans, creaks, and rattles filled the air. Tony caught her hand. “Brings back memories.”
“Yes.” Her heart pounded. Were their memories the same? The first and only time, until the wedding that Tony had kissed her had been in a similar setting. At fourteen, she’d been awkward, but the brief touch of his lips had cemented her dreams of him and forever.
Tony stared at Carrie. In the dim light, he couldn’t read her expression. How would she react if he stole a kiss the way he had years ago? He bent his head and inhaled the scent of her bubble bath. A picture of Carrie in the tub flashed into his thoughts. The aroma had filtered from their shared bathroom and wove erotic images into his dreams.
“Dad, Carrie, come on.”
He straightened. “Guess we’d better go.”
“Guess so.”
Was that a note of regret in her voice? He reached for her hand.
“Dad, I’m waiting.”
“We’re coming.”