by Curry, Edna
She looked at him a moment later, and saw that he was asleep. With a smile, she pulled the comforter over them and closed her eyes.
He’d called her beautiful! It had been so long since anyone had admired her like that, it almost seemed a miracle. Bill had never been one to express himself verbally. She knew he had loved her, but he’d rarely said so.
Lisa lay awake thinking about that for a long while. Sleep didn’t come. She never fell asleep easily in a strange bed.
At last she slipped quietly out from under the warm comforter. As she sat up, Trace rolled over and wrapped his arm around her pillow, murmuring something under his breath, but he didn’t wake. She gazed at him fondly for a long moment, admiring the shadowy planes of his face in the faint moonlight coming through the window.
Then she reluctantly rose to her feet. If she didn’t get some sleep, she was going to feel miserable all day tomorrow. She really had no choice. She rescued her strewn clothes from the chair and floor and put them on. Then she walked quietly downstairs and down the carpeted hallway to go home.
When she reached out to open the front door, the knob turned under her hand, and she jumped back in consternation.
Her hand flew to her mouth, but couldn’t stifle a scream as she watched it open toward her.
A tall, thin young woman with long blonde hair stepped inside. She was carrying a large, designer blue purse and a matching suitcase.
For a moment they stared at each other, the girl’s blue eyes wide with astonishment at seeing Lisa. Then her lips curled in a cynical smile as her gaze swept Lisa’s unkempt figure. “I see the party’s over,” she said in a voice sharp with anger. “Apparently Daddy’s up to his old tricks. Where is he, anyway?”
Lisa’s heart slowed somewhat to normal as she realized the blonde had to be Trace’s daughter, Renee. She put up a hand to smooth her disheveled hair. She hadn’t taken time to comb it. She must look a mess. What a time to meet Trace’s family. What had Renee meant, ‘Daddy’s up to his old tricks?’ Was she in the habit of meeting strange women in their house? Did Trace bring them home often? Oh, God, was she only the latest in a long line of temporary flings?
A hot flush crept up her neck to her cheeks. Anger at both Trace and Renee almost closed Lisa’s throat. She fought it, striving for dignity and control.
“You must be Renee,” she said, in as even a voice as she could muster. “I’m sorry to meet you this way. Your father’s asleep.”
“Not any more,” Trace said behind her. “What’s all the racket? Oh, it’s you, Renee.”
“Yes, Daddy. It’s me. I’m sorry to interrupt your slumber party.”
Trace scowled at her. He’d thrown on a rumpled, brown plaid robe, but was barefoot, and his curly blond hair was mussed. Even so, he still managed to look fierce. “That will do, Renee.”
Renee pouted, but dutifully said, “Yes, Daddy.” She tossed a scalding look toward Lisa.
Lisa wanted to sink out of sight through the floor. Why did this have to happen to her? Why couldn’t the timing have worked out just a little differently, so she wouldn’t have run into Renee? “I was just leaving.”
“I’ll bet,” Renee said, flipping her long hair back over her shoulder.
“Wait, Lisa,” Trace said, starting after her.
Lisa couldn’t look at Trace. She backed away, shaking her head, turned and quickly walked out, her back stiff and straight.
“Dammit, Renee, now look what you’ve done!”
“What I’ve done! You’re the one who’s obviously been doing something, Daddy,”
“It’s none of your damn business what I do!”
The door closed, thankfully shutting off the rest of their angry words. Lisa sighed, not realizing she had been holding her breath until then. She walked quickly across the lawn, away from the heated confrontation that was all her fault.
***
“Now see what you’ve done!” Trace growled, his brows dipping in an angry frown.
“What I’ve done! I didn’t make her leave. She was already headed out the door when I got here.” Renee’s full, red lips curled in a derisive smile. “You should have seen the surprise on her face when I opened the door. She looked just like a kid caught with her fingers in the cookie jar! ‘Course it wasn’t cookies she’d been enjoying, was it, Daddy?”
“Don’t be crass. What are you doing here, anyway? Why didn’t you call?”
“I did call, hours ago. There was no answer. No doubt you were busy.”
“Renee!” Trace warned, his eyes narrowing.
She shrugged. “I just need to pick up my ski stuff. I was invited to go to Vail for a few days of skiing with some friends. The last big storm left a foot of new powder on the slopes. It may be our last chance to ski this season.” She slipped out of her jacket, tossed it over her arm and bent to pick up her suitcase.
“I see. And who’s paying for this little jaunt?”
Renee raised her head, sassy blue eyes widening. “Don’t worry, Daddy, I’m not going to ask you for the money. Grampa gave me a check.”
“They spoil you rotten.” Trace spat, raking his long fingers through his already rumpled hair. “Giving you designer clothes and fancy trips. I suppose your new friends are used to that kind of lifestyle?”
“Yes, they are,” Renee snapped. She lifted her narrow little chin in an arrogant pout. “You could do with a little sprucing up yourself, Daddy. There’s no need to go around in that raggedy old robe, and drive a broken down, old car. Mom told me how much you make teaching at the college, so don’t deny it. You just like playing scrooge.”
Before Trace could raise his dropped jaw and think of an answer, his daughter had disappeared up the stairs to her old bedroom, leaving a wave of heavy perfume in her wake.
He stared after her. He knew Renee still harbored a fantasy her parents would reunite, and that was the reason for her animosity toward Lisa. She’d feel the same toward any other woman in whom he showed an interest. How long would it take Renee to accept the fact that he and Sandra were through?
With a sigh, he walked to the kitchen window to look across the lawn to Lisa’s house. Should he try to go after Lisa, talk to her? But her house was dark, so she’d probably already gone to bed. He wouldn’t blame her if she hated him and his daughter for embarrassing her that way.
He stuck a cup of water in the microwave to make a cup of cocoa. Was Renee right? Was he over-reacting to Sandra and her parents’ efforts to grant Renee and her friends a luxury lifestyle? What would she do when she had to support herself someday? Or did they intend to continue their generosity indefinitely?
He walked slowly back up the stairs, sipping the cocoa. He’d joined the ‘save the earth’ movement and had really gotten into recycling and reducing waste. Had he gone overboard on that?
As Renee said, his robe had seen better days, as had some of the suits he wore every day. If Jenny hadn’t fussed, he probably wouldn’t have remodeled the kitchen. After Sandra’s spending binges, he’d developed an aversion to luxury and overspending to the point of not liking to spend at all. On the other hand, he liked his old blue Buick, so why should he buy a new car? He did, after all, keep it in tip-top shape.
A chilling thought ran through him in spite of the hot cocoa. Did Lisa also see him as a tightwad?
Chapter 10
Back in her own house, Lisa curled up in her bed and pulled up the handmade quilt Gram had made for her years ago. But even that familiar comforter, so aptly named, brought her little warmth.
Although her cheeks were still hot with embarrassment, she shivered, full of questions. Had Trace known Renee was coming home tonight? If so, why hadn’t he warned her? Or suggested coming over here? Was Trace in the habit of bringing women home, as Renee had insinuated? And why hadn’t Trace defended her?
Lisa shivered again and turned over, trying to find a comfortable spot on the smooth percale sheets. The bed seemed cold and lonely after the heated intensity she’d so recently shar
ed next door. Fat chance of it being repeated now!
Was the confrontation with Renee all my fault? No! Lisa thought, anger at last overcoming embarrassment and guilt. If Renee had been even the least bit polite, she wouldn’t have spoken to me as she did. Oh, the whole situation is impossible! One thing is for sure; there’s no future for me with Trace now. Renee will never accept me.
It was almost dawn before Lisa fell asleep.
When she awoke, it was after nine. She groggily made her way downstairs to her kitchen and made a cup of instant coffee.
She stood looking out the window as she drank the hot brew. A flashy, red sports car was parked behind Trace’s old blue Buick. A wry smile twisted her lips at the thought that Renee drove a much more expensive car than her father did. Apparently he was right in saying that Renee’s mother and grandparents spoiled her. Or had Trace bought it for Renee himself?
Trace obviously didn’t have an early class today. She wondered whether he’d made peace with Renee about last night. Since Renee evidently resented her father having a relationship with someone other than her mother, she’d probably not accepted their divorce.
Lisa sighed. Parenthood was so complicated. She’d just separated herself from her own children’s problems. She had no intention of getting involved with Trace’s. Hadn’t she vowed to have freedom and peace of mind? But here she was, full of pain again, because those hours with Trace had been so wonderful, and now everything was definitely not wonderful.
Just then Trace came out of his house carrying his briefcase and his daughter’s blue suitcase. Renee followed, carrying skis and poles. Trace paused to lock the door, then put Renee’s suitcase into her car, and leaned down to kiss her. Lisa felt guilty watching, but couldn’t resist staying at the window as they got into their cars and drove away.
So, Renee had gone back to college. Whatever she’d come home for had evidently not taken long to accomplish. She’d probably just picked up a check from dear, doting Dad.
Lisa shrugged and turned away from the window. Hadn’t she and Bill spoiled their own two in the same way? Who was she to judge? She felt inexplicably lonely as she went back to the kitchen.
She fixed herself a bowl of cereal and decided she needed to do something strenuous today, to work off some of the frustration she was feeling. She put on jeans and an old sweatshirt and went out to mow the lawn. Then, after a break for coffee, she weeded the flowerbeds until it was time to go pick up her new computer.
Grabbing another cup of coffee, she went upstairs to shower and change into a soft pair of blue slacks and a matching cashmere sweater. She ran a quick brush through her hair, did a fast job on basic make-up and drove to the computer shop. Traffic was heavy. Caught at a red light, she fumed, staring at the dirt under her fingernails that she hadn’t taken time to remove. Finally the light changed and the semi in front of her groaned forward.
She was late, but Luke welcomed her with a smile. He told her he’d installed all her new programs on her hard drive.
Grinning widely, Luke told her everything was already being put in the car.
“But-but I just got here.”
“But I didn’t,” Trace said behind her.
“Trace!” Her heart fluttered at the welcome sound of his voice. She spun around and met his eyes nervously. Was he angry about last night? Did he regret their lovemaking? What had happened between him and Renee after she’d left?
He didn’t look angry. There was a twinkle in his eyes and a pleasant curve to his lips. She let out a relieved sigh and said, “I didn’t expect you to be here.”
Trace watched the varying emotions race across her face. He couldn’t kiss her or ask her if she was okay in front of Luke. Deaf or not, Luke missed very little. Damn Renee anyway for coming home just when she had. And damn her for being so sassy, too! Had she ruined everything between him and Lisa, before there really was anything? He hoped his nonchalant smile conveyed that nothing had changed between them. “You’re late. I was beginning to wonder if you’d forgotten.” Damn, that sounded like he thought she might be really upset by what happened last night. He hadn’t meant it that way. He was relieved to see Lisa didn’t take offense.
She tossed him a smile. “No, of course I didn’t forget. I just didn’t allow enough time for the traffic.”
“I thought I’d help you carry all this stuff home and set it up, Lisa. I put some of the boxes in my car. I doubt that they’ll all fit in yours.”
“Thanks, Trace. I’m parked out in front. I didn’t see your car.”
“I parked behind the store. I thought it would be handier. I’ll just put these last two boxes in your car.”
Luke went over the bill with her, making sure he’d given her everything she’d ordered; then she wrote him a check. He handed her his business card and told her to be sure to come back if she had any problems or questions.
Trace reappeared in the doorway to say goodbye to Luke.
“And of course,” Luke added with a sly look at his friend, “Trace is right next door to you. I’m sure he’ll be happy to answer questions, too.”
“Yes,” she admitted, her cheeks feeling hot. She handed him the check and said goodbye. Was their interest in each other really that obvious?
She followed Trace outside. He was leaning against her red Chevy, waiting. As soon as she came close and he knew they were alone, he said softly, “Lisa, I’m sorry about last night. I didn’t know Renee was coming home. She really can be such a brat.”
Lisa shrugged and looked away. “Hey, it’s okay. She’s obviously not ready to accept that her father might be seeing anyone other than her mother.”
Straightening, he kicked at the sand at his feet. “I know. She still thinks Sandra and I ought to patch things up, and go on as before.”
Lisa caught her breath at his voicing the very thing she feared. She shifted from one foot to the other, and forced herself to bring the dreaded question right out into the open. “And is that a possibility?”
“No way!” Trace’s voice was vehement. He rubbed his hand over his hair, looking frustrated. “Life with Sandra was a living hell for me for the last few years. Renee should know I’d never consider going back to that.”
“Renee should know,” Lisa repeated thoughtfully, trying not to show him how pleased she was at his answer. “But did you ever tell her? It’s hard for children to accept an end to their dreams, especially if the facts are never spelled out in so many words.”
Trace shifted his weight uncomfortably. He met her eyes, then looked away. “Perhaps you’re right. I’ll try having a talk with her the next time she comes home. In the meantime, I want to apologize for her attitude and nasty tongue.”
“No problem. I understand.”
He shot her a relieved smile and opened the car door for her. “Good. So, now that that’s settled, let’s go set up this computer.”
“I hope the traffic’s not as bad as it was earlier.”
He raised a questioning eyebrow. “I know a less busy route, if you’re game.”
“Sounds great. You lead the way.” Lisa got in and waited for him to drive around from the back of the shop; then she eased out into traffic behind him. Rush hour had not let up, but true to his word, Trace led her down less busy side streets back to her house.
An hour later, she and Trace had her computer all set up and running. But in spite of Trace’s earlier apology, the atmosphere between them remained uneasy while they worked. Renee’s untimely arrival and sarcastic comments the previous evening had left Lisa feeling that there was an uncomfortable gulf between them, which she didn’t know how to cross. Each time Trace touched her, her need to respond in some way grew, until she was deliberately trying to avoid touching him. Since he was sitting on a chair right beside her that was next to impossible.
“Hungry?” Trace asked at last, stretching his long arms high above his head and arching his back.
“Yes.” But not for food. Stop stretching that luscious body out and tea
sing me with it, or I’m likely to take you up to my bed.
“Want to go out?”
Somehow, that didn’t appeal. She didn’t want to share him. Besides, she was tired after all the mowing and weeding she’d done earlier, and she was anxious to play with her new toy as long as possible, too. “Not really.” She stood up. “How about some pancakes and sausage?”
“Sounds great.”
He set the table while she cooked, each movement making her more aware of him than ever. She couldn’t help watching his mouth as he ate, and remembering how those firm, mobile lips had traveled over her body, tasting her instead of food. She buttered her pancake, poured maple syrup on it, then lifted a forkful to her mouth.
He watched her in turn, his lips parting as though he were suddenly short of breath. Both seemed to have run out of things to talk about.
She poured them a second cup of coffee, wondering if he was remembering last night’s lovemaking, as she was. Silently, they picked up the dishes, loaded them into the dishwasher and wiped the table and counters. At last there was no reason to linger any longer.
She started to move from the kitchen, but somehow ended up in his arms.
He moved quickly to claim her lips, and in no time both had forgotten about everything else.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he murmured.
“I’ve been right here.” Lips and tongues agreed.
Trace stopped kissing long enough to complain, “Yes, but not really here. I felt as though you were on the other side of a wall that I couldn’t climb over. Please don’t let Renee separate us. I want you.”
“Shh. Just love me.”
One hand slid under her sweater, pushing her lacy bra aside and cupping her soft breast to claim it as his. He rubbed his cheek along the blue cashmere, then raised it out of the way so he could admire the white mounds it had covered.
“Like this?” he asked, kissing her lips again, then trailing kisses from her throat to below her ear and back again.
“Oh, yes!”
He dipped his head and caught first one rosy tip then the other in his mouth, teasing and tasting until she squirmed in pleasure.