Say No To Joe?

by Lori Foster

  “The directions say that the house is at the outside edge of town. We just have to stay on the main road.”

  They traveled another ten minutes before locating the long gravel drive to the house. It was over two hundred and fifty feet long and took them through a wooded area to a small clearing.

  About an eighth of a mile to the left, the road continued, barely seen through brambles and scrubby shrubs and a few evergreens. To the right, an abundance of enormous trees formed a thick woods. They couldn’t see the lake, but still the area was picturesque and very private.

  In the middle of it all stood the large house, in much need of repair, but still impressive. It sported a wraparound porch that circled three sides on the first level, then another on the second story that went completely around. Doors opened on the upper level, probably to bedrooms, and two shutters were missing from the windows that flanked the doors.

  The shingles were so curled and weathered that Joe wondered if the roof leaked in a rain. The porches were incredible, or at least they would be with some fresh paint. The limbs of two large trees spread out to offer shade on the front and side. No real landscaping existed, only weeds and more weeds.

  Luna leaned forward for a better look. She didn’t seem the least put off by the state of disrepair. “With a little cosmetic work, it’ll be beautiful.”

  Joe put the truck in park and turned it off. “Lucky for you, I’m good with my hands.”

  “Brag, brag, brag. You men are all the same.”

  Joe laughed. “I didn’t mean in the sack, witch.”

  “Too bad, because I didn’t bring you here to work.”

  “Hey, I didn’t say I wasn’t willing. But I can be good at both, ya know.” He waited until she slanted her golden brown eyes his way, then winked. “I can make you scream, and do a little fix-up.”

  Luna snorted. “You already make me scream— with frustration.” She opened her door and got out.

  Joe followed. “Only because you keep saying no.” He again surveyed the house. Yep, he could make it look a whole hell of a lot better. He’d always taken pleasure in the scent of sawdust and the satisfaction of working with his hands. Besides, it wouldn’t hurt his cause to be of assistance to Luna. When she saw how much help he could be, maybe she’d quit sighing over that damn Creed.

  Joe had taken only one step when he heard the ruckus.

  Luna frowned at the loud voices carrying through the open front door to the yard. “Sounds like a cat fight going on.”

  He took her arm and started her forward. “Let’s find out.”

  When they reached the screen door, Luna knocked, but no one answered. They could hear women arguing, one voice whiny, one determined, one disgusted and mean. Luna pulled the unlatched door open and called out, “Hello?”

  They both had their heads stuck inside when the voices grew silent, replaced by the sound of approaching footsteps. The first to reach them was very tall, in her early forties, with an apron around her voluptuous figure. She was an attractive woman, but in a hard, cynical way. She stared at Joe, her expression openly assessing and appreciative. “Well now, who are you?”

  Using her shoulder to lever her way in, Luna reached around Joe and stuck out her hand. “Luna Clark. I’m here for the children.” The woman ignored her. She smoothed her dark blond hair, licked her lips and smiled at Joe.

  Another woman, fashionably slim and dressed in a chic silk pantsuit with her dark hair loose to her shoulders, rushed into the room. “Thank God, you’re here. Now you can just deal with …” She saw Joe, drew to a halt and started primping. “Hello.”

  Joe heard Luna’s loud and rude snort, but he decided payback was in order. After all, she’d flirted with Jamie Creed. He offered his hand. “I’m Joe Winston. I’m here with Luna for a visit.”

  The woman in the apron got his hand first. “Welcome. I’m Dinah Belle, the housekeeper.” She didn’t let go, but her eyes slanted toward him in unmistakable invitation. “If you need anything while you’re here, Joe, you just come to me.”

  Joe gave her his best false grin and watched her lips part in response. “Thank you, Dinah. I appreciate that.” He tried to pry his hand loose, but didn’t have much success until the other woman nudged her way closer.

  “I’m Patricia Abbot, the children’s aunt.” She eyed Joe, letting her gaze linger on his chest. “My, my. I didn’t realize Luna was bringing along a man.”

  “Is that a problem?”

  Patricia twittered, and she, too, clasped his hand. “No, of course not. You’re just in time for lunch. I thought we’d have a bite to eat before I leave.”

  “You’re leaving already?” Luna asked.

  Dinah frowned. “Lunch? Since when? You didn’t tell me anything about lunch.”

  Flustered, Patricia sent a meaningful look toward Dinah. Her smile more of a snarl, she said, “I’m telling you now.”

  For a housekeeper, Dinah seemed pretty put out about something as simple as a meal, and not in the least respectful of her employer. She sniffed and curled her lip at Patricia.

  Another woman gave a loud “harrumph.” She stood in the doorway, thin arms folded across her chest, her expression mulish. She appeared to be in her late twenties, early thirties, and unlike the first two, she had eyes only for Luna. “So you’re Ms. Clark?”

  Luna stepped forward. “That’s me.”

  “I’m Julie Rose, a teacher subbing in the area for the summer. I came here to discuss the children, and I’m not leaving until I’ve had my say.”

  Patricia groaned theatrically.

  Dinah shook her head.

  Luna beamed. “Perfect. I’m very glad to meet you, Ms. Rose, because I’d like to talk about the kids, too. Where are they, by the way? I want to meet them.”

  Julie scowled at Patricia, her accusation plain. “Funny, but no one here seems to know.”

  Joe again had to pry his hand loose, but unfortunately, Luna wasn’t paying him any attention, so she didn’t notice how the women were fawning on him. It wasn’t any fun—was in fact an aggravation—if Luna wasn’t going to notice or care. Finally freeing himself, he stepped away from them and moved to Luna’s side, well out of reach.

  Luna raised her brows at Patricia. “The children?”

  It was the housekeeper who replied, waving a hand negligently. “They’re out somewhere. Who knows where they’ve gotten to? They’re impossible to keep track of, always running off—”

  Luna’s jaw grew tight, and her tone lowered ominously. “Running off?”

  “Playing,” Patricia rushed to explain with a harassed look at Dinah. She gave a false laugh. “They like to play near the lake and in the woods beyond. They’ll show up sooner or later.”

  Joe scowled. By nature he was cautious, but after many years working in dangerous jobs he’d grown even more so. Children should be well protected and supervised. He knew from his own youth that any time you didn’t know where a kid was or what he was doing, he was probably doing something that he shouldn’t. “That’s a little dangerous, isn’t it? I thought they were only fourteen and nine.”

  Julie nodded. “Exactly. They need more boundaries and structure.”

  “Nonsense. Austin has his little pack of friends he runs with, and Willow is always surrounded by young men.” Patricia lowered her voice and said in a conspiratorial, somewhat snide tone, “She’s like her mother in that regard.”

  Julie Rose drew herself up in stiff affront. “She’s a very nice, intelligent and sensitive young lady.”

  In an attempt to be diplomatic, Luna said, “Ms. Rose, why don’t you stay for lunch also? We can discuss your concerns and you can fill me in on the children. I’m dying to hear everything about them.”

  After a mutinous glare at Patricia, the teacher agreed. “I’d like that, thank you. And please, call me Julie.”

  Patricia rolled her eyes. “This is totally unnecessary, Luna. Julie wants to tutor the children for an ungodly amount of money, and I’ve already tol
d her the budget doesn’t allow for it, not to mention that it’s a waste of time. The little delinquents aren’t interested in learning.”

  Dinah joined in, saying, “The only thing they put any effort into is getting into constant trouble.”

  That set Julie off, and the three women began to argue again. Fuming, Luna turned to Joe. “Do you believe this?”

  She looked as annoyed as he felt. With the way the women carried on, you’d think the children were monsters not worth their concern. Having come from a very loving family, that attitude sickened Joe.

  He touched Luna’s shoulder and felt her trembling with anger. She looked ready to take off a few heads. The only other time he’d seen her this angry was when she’d first met him, and that time she’d hurled a sandwich at him.

  He leaned down to her ear, kissed her temple and said, “Don’t kill anyone yet, okay? Patricia is leaving soon, and then you can decide what you want to do about the kids.”

  She didn’t reply, but she did suddenly say, “Lunch?” in a rather carrying voice that broke into their argument.

  Joe grinned, liking this take-charge side of her. Luna could be a dominating force when she chose. He wondered if she’d be that dominating in bed.

  It seemed possible.

  Dinah sniffed again, turned on her heel, and strode away with a noticeable sway to her hips. Patricia smoothed her dark hair and pointedly ignored Julie Rose. “Yes, of course. Why don’t you bring your things in and get settled. Lunch can be ready in half an hour.”

  “Are there rooms prepared for us?” Luna asked. Patricia nodded. “Luna, you can take the room upstairs, first door that you come to. It’s the master bedroom, and it’s nice enough. You’ll have your own bath, of course, but unfortunately you’ll be close to the children.”

  Luna set her teeth. “Unfortunately?”

  “Yes. They have a tendency toward nocturnal antics.” Patricia shook her head. “I finally bought earplugs so I could get some rest.”

  “You bought ear plugs?”

  Uh oh. Luna looked ready to bite again. Joe rubbed her back in an effort to soothe her.

  “As I said, that’s the nicest room, so of course I kept it. It’s spacious and has a lovely balcony that overlooks the lake. I’ve already packed my things, and I had Willow change the bedding today.” She smiled up at Joe in open consideration. “Are you two, perhaps, sharing a room?”

  Joe hadn’t thought about this particular situation, but his and Luna’s relationship was private as far as he was concerned. Luna started to answer, no doubt to blast the woman, but he beat her to the punch. “No. I’ll need my own room if there’s one available.”

  Patricia’s gratified smile came slowly. “Wonderful. You can take the back room, then. It’s small, but provides more privacy. Why don’t you get your things and I’ll show you where it is.”

  Feeling like a turkey on Thanksgiving morning, Joe put his arm around Luna. She stood stiff and hostile at his side. “That’s okay. I’m sure I’ll find it.” He ushered Luna back out to the truck before she did bodily harm. Not that he didn’t appreciate her possessive nature. Strangely enough, he did. Watching Luna bristle on his behalf filled him with a deep satisfaction. She may deny him, but she didn’t want him with any other women either. That had to mean something.

  Once they’d reached the yard, he said, “Temper, temper,” just to tease her.

  She shoved away from him. “Both of those women were coming on to you.”

  “Yeah.” He grinned at her. “I sort of noticed that.”

  “They pretended I wasn’t even there. I could have been invisible for all the notice they paid me.”

  “You are never invisible, sweetheart. Trust me.”

  “Trust you? You just stood there and let them ogle you.”

  “Hey, I can’t help it that women—other than you, of course—find me irresistible.” Joe managed to say that with a straight face while he opened the truck and pulled out their belongings.

  “You don’t have to sound so cocky and pleased about it, Joe.” She narrowed her eyes. “And how come you’re not limping at all? Trying to put on a good show for your admirers?”

  “Now, Luna.” Joe shook his head at her. “I’m here as the resident ass-kicker, remember? I have to give the right impression. Women are notorious gossips. Do you want them running around town telling everyone you brought a lame duck with you? How much protection would that give you?”

  The seconds ticked by while Luna mulled over his words. Finally she softened, then rubbed her forehead. “You’re right.”

  “ ’Course I am.”

  Her jaw tensed again. “Don’t push me, Joe.” “Only in bed, honey.” He pinned her in his gaze. “Then I’ll push you till you just can’t take it anymore.”

  Her breath caught, she cursed low, then groaned. “You’re impossible. How are you really feeling? Holding up okay?”

  He allowed her the change of subject. “Stiff, a little sore, but on my way to a full recovery thanks to your gentle care.” Then, just to tweak her again, he added, “Don’t fret. I’m up to handling two women on the make. You don’t have to worry about them overpowering me.”

  “That’s not funny, Joe.”

  “You wouldn’t think so.” He almost laughed at her venomous frown. She snatched up her luggage and marched away, but when she reached the porch, she found Patricia standing there and apparently changed her mind about leaving him alone. She looked over her shoulder and snapped, “Hurry up, Joe.”

  “Yes, honey.” His damn case weighed a ton, but he hauled it up the steps without so much as a grimace. He’d meant what he said about hiding his weakened condition from Patricia. The woman was supposedly engaged, but she kept looking him over with lustful intent. To Joe, that made her very untrustworthy.

  Julie Rose appeared at Luna’s side. She was taller than Luna, but much slimmer, with shoulder-length mousy brown hair and mostly nondescript features. Other than her soft brown eyes, now filled with iron determination, she was as plain as a woman could be. Not overly curvy, not overly pretty, not overly anything—except plain.

  “Let me help you.” She took Luna’s largest case and started up the steps. “We can talk while you unpack.”

  Maybe plain and pushy, Joe thought, seeing that Luna wasn’t left with much choice. Appearing helpless, she glanced at Joe and hesitated, but already Patricia had him by the arm, hauling him down the hall to his assigned room.

  He shrugged at Luna, blew her a kiss to let her know it’d be okay, and allowed Patricia to lead him away.

  They went past the formal dining room, dusty from lack of use, and entered the kitchen where Dinah stood at a rectangular table preparing small sandwiches. She gave Joe a sly smile when she saw him. “I hope you like chicken salad?”

  “I do.”

  “I’ve made plenty. A man of your size surely has a hearty … appetite.” She looked him up and down as she said that, leaving Joe with no doubt to which appetite she referred.

  Actually, Dinah wouldn’t be able to appease any appetite. At present, he wanted only Luna, not any other woman, no matter how accommodating she might be. And with as many times as he’d had Luna stop along their drive, he wasn’t all that hungry, either. But he needed his strength to completely recover, so he wasn’t about to turn down food. He ignored the housekeeper’s reference and simply said, “Thanks.”

  Patricia’s grip was tight enough and determined enough that his ribs ached. She pulled him to the left of the large kitchen and into a smaller room off to the side. Joe stepped inside with interest. Patio doors opened to the porch at the back of the house. In the distance, he could see the impressive lake and woods.

  The room was dusty, sparse and stale. One dresser and a bare cot barely big enough for a kid took up most of the space. He winced, thinking of how uncomfortable the flat, thin mattress would be to his bruised body.

  Patricia laughed and cuddled up to his side, pressing a breast into his ribs. “Don’t worry, J
oe. We’ll have the kids move Austin’s bed down here, and he can use the cot.”

  Joe frowned at her and moved a pace away. “That’s not necessary.” With any luck he’d get to spend most of his nights in Luna’s room with her soft body cushioning him, but either way, he wasn’t about to take Austin’s bed. To Joe’s mind, the boy had lost enough already.

  “Oh, he won’t mind. He likes camping out on the ground, down by the lake. He even sleeps on the floor sometimes. As I said, he likes to be up and around at night. Besides, he’s just a kid, and a man certainly has more need of a proper bed, right?” She looked up at him with sensual regard.

  Disgusted, Joe narrowed his eyes and kept his mouth flat. “No.”

  The finality in his tone, along with his lack of politeness, left her in no doubt as to how he felt about her suggestion. “Oh, well …” She faltered long enough for Joe to take her arm and lead her back to the door.

  “I’ll unpack now and join you for lunch in a few minutes.” He moved Patricia outside the room.

  She turned back to him, opened one hand on his chest, and smiled up at him. Through his shirt, her fingertips grazed his nipple. Her lips parted, and she looked at his mouth. “I could help you if you’d like.”

  Again, with no softening to his rejection, Joe said, “No.” He took her wrist and removed her hand, fighting the urge to push her away. He pitied the poor bastard who planned to marry her.

  “But—”

  Joe closed the door in her face. God, it ate at him, thinking of a woman so cold and calculating playing caregiver to two young vulnerable kids. He was now glad that Luna had decided to step in. He’d help her get things in order; then he could convince her to move back home—where she’d be close at hand. If she wanted to bring the kids along, he’d deal with it.

  Rather than unpack, Joe went to the patio doors to look out. The lake was beautiful with mature trees edging the shoreline and small ripples disturbing the surface. Sunlight glinted off the water like the finest diamonds, almost blinding it was so bright. Far off, a fish celebrated the sunny day by jumping out of the water, then landing again with a splash.