Cody’s eyes lit with wicked amusement. “Your birthday suit?” he inquired hopefully, and Maggy flushed. “It was just a suggestion.”
“Never mind,” she returned, before heading toward her room. Maggy realized she had no idea how to dress, what to wear or where they were going! All she knew was that wherever they were going, she was going to be with Cody. And for now that seemed to be enough.
“Now Mags,” Cody said as he refilled her wineglass. “You have to admit that this was a very logical idea.”
Maggy laughed softly. “Cody, you are the only person in the world who would think having a picnic on the beach in the evening would be a logical idea.”
“I’ll have you know it’s perfectly logical.” Cody glanced around. “At night you don’t have to worry about crowds or sunburn. Ants aren’t really a problem, and it’s not so darn hot. You can have just as much fun having a picnic under the moon as you can under the sun.”
“I guess you’re right,” Maggy admitted, wondering why Cody was so interested in being logical all of a sudden. “Why couldn’t you just tell me that at the house? Why the big mystery?”
Cody looked at her sheepishly. “Well, Mags, to tell you the truth, it wasn’t really a mystery. But you were so down in the dumps when you came home, I thought a little teasing might cheer you up.”
“Oh Cody,” she said softly, touched beyond measure. “You did cheer me up. You made me crazy for a few minutes there, but you cheered me up.”
“Good.” He laughed and flashed her a wicked look. “Are you ready for your surprise now?”
“I’m not that cheerful,” she retorted, looking at him suspiciously.
“Don’t you notice anything?”
Blinking rapidly, Maggy stared up at him. Even in the descending darkness, she noticed a lot of things—the way his hair dipped boyishly over his forehead, the way his eyes glinted with desire or amusement, the way the man filled a room or a set of clothing. And she noticed the way his kisses and caresses set her heart pounding and her blood boiling, filling her with a longing that overshadowed everything but him.
“No,” she admitted, not knowing what he was getting at.
“Look at me. Aren’t I dressed sensibly?” His eyes twinkled with delight and Maggy blew out an exasperated sigh. She had a feeling the man was leading her down the primrose path—again.
“Yes,” she admitted, laughing at the expectant look on his face. “You’re dressed sensibly. And?” she prompted, not willing to admit that she had much preferred his state of dress that morning—or rather his state of undress.
“Well, Maggy, I thought I’d try it your way, for a change. We’ve got the whole weekend in front of us. I’m going to show you I can do things sensibly, logically and—” He glanced at her sheepishly.
“Rationally,” Maggy supplied, touched that he found it necessary to try things her way in an effort to please her.
“Rationally,” he repeated, as if trying to commit it to memory. “Now, for the logical thing, we’re having a picnic—”
“Wait a minute.” Maggy held up a hand to stop him. She had to attend to the matter at hand, before he dragged her any deeper into his shenanigans. And before she lost not only her sanity but her heart as well. “I appreciate your efforts, Cody, but I thought we were going to spend the weekend looking for a woman for you?”
“Honey,” he said softly, pinning her with his gaze. “I think I’ve already found the woman for me.” At his words her stomach dropped to her feet, and Maggy glanced away. His implication was so clear it made her heart soar, and at the same time increased her fear. There couldn’t be anything between them, her mind raged. She couldn’t afford to get involved with Cody—not now. They were two different people, with different ideas, different philosophies. Getting involved with Cody any further would not be logical, sensible or even rational, for that matter.
He was just like her mother, crazy, illogical and totally without regard for circumstances or consequences. To become involved with Cody any more than she already had would be courting disaster, not to mention indigestion!
Impulsively Maggy glanced up at him. Oh Lord, whom was she kidding! Her stomach contracted as realization hit her with the force of a blow. Like it or not, she was already involved with Cody, more than she could ever admit.
“Oh Cody,” she breathed sadly, wishing things were different, but knowing they weren’t. “I wish—”
“All right,” he said hurriedly, not letting her finish. “I’ll tell you what we’ll do. We’ll compromise. How does that sound?” He looked so full of the devil that Maggy felt another wave of suspicion. She had a feeling his idea of compromise might be her idea of disaster.
“I don’t know,” she said morosely. “I haven’t heard enough of this compromise to decide.”
He laughed softly. “Tonight will be ours, just yours and mine. Bobby’s with your mom, and we’re all alone. We’re going to forget everything and just enjoy each other’s company. I’ll show you that I can be sensible, logical and—” he grinned “—rational, all right? Then tomorrow we can start looking for a woman. How does that sound?” He was looking at her so expectantly that Maggy didn’t have the heart to turn him down.
“I think that sounds wonderful,” she admitted truthfully.
“Good.” Leaning against a tree, Cody slid his arms around her and pulled her back against him. Maggy tensed for a moment, then relaxed as the heat of his body warmed hers. Stretching out her legs, Maggy leaned her head against his shoulder. They were silent for long moments, the only sound the rapid beating of their hearts in unison.
The moon was rising high over the crystal-blue lake. A few scattered stars began to twinkle against the backdrop of the darkening sky. Several boats dotting the horizon bobbed in the distance. The sound of the lake lapping slowly against the sand had a lulling effect on Maggy.
“You know,” Cody said softly, “you never did tell me what you got caught reading.”
Maggy sighed. This afternoon seemed so long ago, she had almost forgotten about the fiasco with Miss Barklay. “My boss—Miss Barklay—caught me reading one of your books.”
She could feel him smiling in the darkness. “Which one?”
“Wild Bill Cody’s Amazing Adventures of the Amazon.” Remembering the look on Miss Barklay’s face, Maggy laughed. “If you could have seen her face, Cody, she was so appalled. Adventures of the Amazon wasn’t exactly on the recommended reading list for Miss Avalon’s Academy this semester.”
“No, I imagine not.” Cody’s voice quivered in amusement as he tightened his arms around her.
“Then, on top of everything else she found oat cereal in my hair. Remember when I was giving Bobby his breakfast?” Cody nodded, and Maggy went on. “Well, apparently a couple of pieces got stuck in my hair.”
“And your boss found them?” Cody moved her around until she was lying in his arms, looking up at him.
“Oh, Cody.” Maggy sighed heavily, meeting his gaze. “I did something so foolish.” One dark brow rose in question and Maggy rushed on. “Miss Barklay confiscated your book, and I demanded she give it back to me.”
“You didn’t! Why, Mags, I’m proud of you.” She was warmed by his smile of approval.
“I can’t believe I did that. I don’t know, after today I just may have blown my chance to be headmistress.” Maggy dropped her gaze, feeling an overwhelming sadness. “I’ve worked so hard for that position.”
“Honey?” Cody lifted a hand and stroked her cheek. “You really like your job, don’t you?” Maggy nodded as the palm of his hand gently caressed her cheek. She loved the feel of his rough hand against her smooth skin.
“Yes, I love it. But sometimes—” Maggy stopped, not wanting to put into words what she was feeling.
“Sometimes, what?” His eyes quietly searched her face.
“Sometimes,” she began tentatively, “I just get tired of all the rules and restrictions that go with my position. Miss Barklay has such rigi
d requirements for her staff. Our actions have to be absolutely above reproach. Not just in our professional lives, but in our personal lives as well.” It was the first time Maggy had ever openly admitted that part of her job filled her with displeasure. It felt good to talk to someone about it.
“Is that why you were so upset when your mother and I got arrested?”
Maggy nodded. “If my boss ever found out that it was my mother who was arrested in that fiasco, I’d probably be fired faster than a cabbie makes change.”
Cody chuckled softly and gave her a quick hug. “Honey, you know there’s a lot more to life than just rules and regulations. It seems to me that you’ve boxed yourself into a little corner, doing only what’s expected of you.” Cody cradled her face in his hand. “You know, life isn’t just being sensible, rational and logical. Seems to me that you’ve got to learn how to have some fun, to enjoy life and take a chance on things. Honey,” he said gently. “Life’s a banquet and you’re settling for crumbs.”
His words hung in the air between them. For a long silent moment, Maggy simply stared into his eyes, listening to the water lap softly against the shore, feeling the soft breeze dance across her skin.
Was Cody right? she wondered. Had she boxed herself into a little corner, restricting herself only to the safe boundaries of her profession? Suddenly Maggy didn’t know. Never before had she questioned her situation. Never before had she felt so restless or so unfulfilled.
She was confused and concerned, and suddenly terribly unsure of herself and her feelings.
“Oh, Cody,” she whispered, reaching for him. His arms tightened around her, and she buried her face in his shoulder. What she wanted at this moment was to stop time forever, to stay right here in Cody’s arms. In his arms she felt safe, free from rules and regulations, free from everything but the feelings tearing at her heart.
“Mags,” Cody said softly, his large hand stroking her back. “I think you’re too young to be so old. Having fun isn’t against the law, neither is enjoying yourself. Seems to me you deserve a bit of both.”
Did she? Maggy wondered, still clinging to Cody. Did she deserve to have some fun and enjoy herself? Her job had always been so fulfilling that she’d never felt the need for anything else in her life. But now Maggy suddenly felt an ache, a loneliness that her job didn’t seem to be able to fill.
“Mags, I’ve got responsibilities too, but that sure as hell doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy myself and have fun. You ought to learn how to do it, too.” Cody was silent for a moment. “If you want,” he said tentatively, causing Maggy to lift her head from his shoulder, “I could show you how to have fun—now don’t look at me like that, Mags—I don’t mean anything crazy, just nice, normal, everyday fun.” Cody shrugged. “You’re going to help me; I think it’s only fair to return the favor.”
“You’d do that?” Maggy asked, feeling touched despite the fact that she swore she wasn’t going to get involved with him. He was only offering to teach her to have fun, she reminded herself, trying to stop the wave of uncertainty that bubbled inside. He wasn’t asking for a lifelong commitment. How could it hurt?
“Sure.” He grinned. “I’ll tell you what. Tomorrow I thought we’d drive into Chicago and hit same theatrical agencies. Your mom still has some contacts in the industry and we might be able to find a woman. Afterward, we’ll have some fun. What do you say?”
The idea of finding a woman for Cody was slowly losing all appeal, but Maggy nodded, suddenly feeling very lighthearted. She was going to help Cody, and in his own way he was going to help her.
“It’s a deal then.” Cody leaned forward and planted a soft kiss on her lips. “We’d better get back,” he said, his eyes searching hers as if he wanted to say more, but didn’t. “Elizabeth should be getting home with Bobby pretty soon.” Cody stood up and began to gather their things. Maggy bent over to fold the picnic blanket.
“Tell me, Mags, have you ever had a Fuzzy Navel?”
She jerked upright. “I beg your pardon?”
“A Fuzzy Navel,” Cody repeated, looking at her curiously.
“What does fuzz in my navel have to do with anything?” she cried in alarm. “You promised nothing crazy!” she accused, and Cody threw back his head and laughed.
“No, no, no. It’s got nothing to do with your navel, or anybody else’s.” He leaned forward and spoke directly into her alarmed face. “It’s a drink, Mags. Just a drink. And a pretty good one at that.”
“A drink, huh?” she repeated, looking at him skeptically, and wondering just what kind of a drink would have such a ridiculous name.
“Scout’s honor.” Cody lifted his hand in the air as if he were taking an oath. “Would this face lie?” he inquired, trying hard to contain his grin.
“Yes,” Maggy said honestly, and Cody chuckled, looping an arm around her neck again as they started up the beach.
“Wait until I tell you about the Tennessee Twins,” he whispered, and Maggy smiled. She was on to him now.
“Another drink?” she replied confidently.
“No,” Cody said with a grin. “It’s two sisters back home, and Mags, you should see the set of—”
“Cody!” Maggy cried, giving him a poke with her elbow. Good Lord! Now what had she let this wild man talk her into?
Chapter Seven
“What about her?” Cody asked with a frown, studying the black-and-white picture in his hand. They had spent most of the morning going from one theatrical agency to another, looking for the right woman for him. Maggy peered at the picture over his shoulder and shook her head. “I don’t think so,” she said, surveying the picture carefully. “Her coloring is all wrong. Besides,” she added. “She looks much too cool and sophisticated to be a mother.” There, that sounded like a logical explanation, Maggy reasoned. The glance Cody flashed her told her otherwise.
“Maggy.” Smiling, Cody sighed her name. “We have been to every theatrical agency in the city of Chicago. This is our last hope. You’ve found fault with every single actress available. Now, we don’t have much time—less than three weeks,” he reminded her. “We’re going to have to settle on someone.”
Cody was right. They were going to have to settle on someone. But not this someone, Maggy decided, studying the picture again. She had to admit Cody was right. She had found fault with every single woman that had been available. Maggy couldn’t help it. The thought of another woman being involved with Cody and Bobby was enough to bring on a fit of acute jealousy that she couldn’t explain or deny.
All Maggy knew was that she felt protective and possessive about the two men who had suddenly catapulted themselves into her life. And despite her ridiculous behavior, she didn’t want to share Cody and Bobby with another woman for any reason.
“Mags, look.” Cody poked her with his elbow, and she glanced up. A petite blonde with a knockout figure had entered the office and was now standing at the receptionist’s desk, talking to the secretary. The woman’s pose was practiced and polished, designed to show off her best features. “What about her?” Cody whispered.
Maggy’s eyes widened in disbelief. This woman was hardly mother material, she thought, taking in the tight black miniskirt and matching tunic top. She looked more like centerfold material, Maggy acknowledged sourly, feeling her heart constrict.
“Mags?” Cody was watching the blonde, and Maggy was watching Cody. “She’s about the right age, and her coloring is right. What do you think?”
What she was thinking at the moment would probably turn Cody’s ears blue. Maggy chewed her bottom lip. She knew she had to come up with a good reason to convince Cody this woman wasn’t right.
“Cody,” she stammered, narrowing her eyes as she studied the woman. “I don’t think she’s quite right.”
“How will we know if we don’t talk to her? Come on.” Grabbing her hand, Cody pulled her toward the other woman. “Excuse me,” he said politely, and the woman turned to face them. She took one look at Cody and a coquettish sm
ile lifted her lips.
“Well, hello there,” she purred softly. Her voice was low and breathy. Maggy rolled her eyes.
“Ma’am,” Cody said politely. “I’m looking for an actress—”
“Well, sugar, I’m an actress.” The woman flicked a dismissive glance at Maggy, then turned her attention back to Cody. “My name’s Priscilla. And I’m…available.” Her gaze ran the length of Cody, and she smiled in approval. “What did you have in mind?” Leaning close, she draped one perfectly manicured hand possessively on Cody’s bare arm. Maggy pursed her lips in annoyance. Obviously Prissy Priscilla was more interested in Cody than in the job he had to offer. Maggy felt a wave of anger.
The woman was flashy and obvious, and she was clinging to Cody like lint to a bad suit! If Maggy didn’t do something—and fast—the woman would be… Oh Lord, what was she going to do?
“Would you excuse us?” Maggy asked. After forcing a bright smile, Maggy slowly peeled Priscilla’s hand from Cody’s arm, then dragged Cody into a corner. “Cody, you can’t possibly be seriously considering…Priscilla,” she hissed. She deliberately spoke the name as if the woman were something that belonged in a specimen bottle.
“Why not, honey?” he inquired. “She’s about the right age, seems to be pleasant enough, and she sure looks like she’d photograph well.” He was craning his neck to look at Priscilla and Maggy jerked his arm to regain his attention.
“No,” Maggy insisted, glancing up to find Priscilla watching them intently. “Sh-she’s just not right.” The woman smiled and wiggled her fingers at Cody. Maggy steered him around so his back was to Priscilla. Somehow she had to dissuade Cody. The woman was too pert, too pretty and just entirely too cute for words. Maggy felt an instant dislike for her.
“We can’t be too picky, Mags,” Cody said. “You know we don’t have much time left. She really seems perfect. Don’t you think so?”
Perfect? Maggy glanced up at her and felt her spirits nosedive. That was the problem, she realized dismally. Prissy Priscilla was perfect.
Baby Makes Three: Heartwarming Love and Laughter Page 9