To her chagrin, by the time Sunday evening rolled around, Annette still hadn’t called or come by and Lacey began to worry that the problems besetting Greg and Annette went deeper than jealousy.
Lorraine dropped George off, and Lacey suggested that Greg put the monkey to work fetching his glasses and magazines, the kinds of tasks he was trained to do.
Greg balked at the suggestion, but for once Lacey paid little attention. Trembling at the prospect of seeing Max again, Lacey checked herself in the mirror for the tenth time, hoping the simple, basic black sleeveless dress with her gold jewelry was appropriate.
When she was ready, she looked out the front window hoping to see Annette’s car. People were arriving for the party next door, but there was no sign of her.
“How come you’re wearing your black dress?”
“Because it’s the only dressy dress I own.”
“You’re crazy to be interested in a rolling stone like Max Jarvis.”
“Until you get your own love life worked out, don’t start on mine,” she warned.
“I’ll go over with you to keep an eye on things. I need to start getting used to my crutches.”
“You weren’t invited, Greg. Enjoy the popcorn and videos. George will keep you company.”
He made a hooting sound before she hurried through the condo to the front door. If she waited any longer, there’d be no party to go to.
CHAPTER FOUR
A MAN named Jeff greeted Lacey at the door and ushered her into the living room. There were twenty or so people, some husbands and wives, drinking and talking against a background of music which sounded like Vivaldi.
After asking her preference, Jeff handed her a cola and introduced her to Nick and Milo, a couple of other friends of Max’s.
She didn’t recognize any other faces however. Perhaps some of the people lived in the complex, but she hadn’t been very social since she’d agreed to house-sit the condo.
“So. You decided to tear yourself away from whatever else you were doing. I’m flattered,” a familiar male voice spoke from behind, startling her.
Adrenaline surged through her veins as Lacey whirled around to face Max who was wearing a beautiful tan cashmere sweater and trousers. An enticing smile belied his innuendo. He was looking at her the same way he’d done in the parking lot of the supermarket. As if she’d left more bleeding victims lying around without giving them a thought.
His gaze traveled deliberately over her face and body, bringing a flush to her cheeks before he flicked a glance to the drink in her hand. “Surely we’ve got something stronger than Coke to entertain my guest,” he murmured to Jeff.
“I don’t like alcohol,” she explained before Jeff could say anything. “Coke is fine.”
Max’s dark blond brow quirked. “Then have some pâté.”
“I couldn’t. Gr—I’ve just eaten dinner. Please don’t worry about me.”
“I want to worry about you. That’s my prerogative,” he insisted, and cupped her elbow to guide her to the couch. “You’ve arrived in time to help us preview a film we’ve put together on the Haida in Alaska.”
She shook her head, confused. “What film? Who is we?”
The corner of his compelling mouth lifted. “My friends and I make documentaries when we’re not working at our other jobs. The film you’re about to see is part of a series we’re doing on Natives of the Americas for the International Educational Institute.”
“So that’s why you’re going to the Amazon! Lon Freeman mentioned something about it on his program the other day.”
“That’s right. We’ll be filming the Arawak in the northern territory.”
“What are you doing in radio when you’re a photographer?” she asked as the rest of the crowd found seats around the large screen placed in the corner.
“You mean, why am I swimming in waters over my head here in Utah when my real expertise lies in doing something else quite different?” The gleam in his blue eyes did not go unobserved.
“I’ve already apologized for being so outspoken.”
“That’s interesting. I must have missed it.”
She cleared her throat. “We were talking about your work as a photographer.”
“Photography’s not my line. I do the research and the narrations. It’s up to the other members of the crew to take pictures and do the editing.”
Lacey had a dozen questions to ask him, but was forced to save them because he moved away to turn off lights as one of the documentary team members started the video. To her surprise, Max returned and sat down on the arm of the couch so his trouser-clad thigh brushed her shoulder. The contact sent a wave of delight through her body.
For the next half hour she sat spellbound as they viewed the breathtaking film and listened to Max’s narration about a group of Native Americans she’d never heard of before. Their particular race had Caucasian coloring and lived on a remote island far to the north.
His vibrant voice had a hypnotic quality and she felt a keen disappointment when the viewing came to an end. Everyone had questions, keeping him and the other members of the crew busy explaining until well after midnight.
Suddenly remembering that Greg needed help to get ready for bed, Lacey rose to her feet, intending to thank Max and say good-night. But he was engaged in conversation with a good-looking redhead who seemed to be on more than friendly terms with him.
Max must have noticed Lacey hovering nearby and broke off what he was saying to introduce them. “Lacey, this is Michelle Logan, a nurse at University Hospital. Michelle, meet a friend of mine, Lacey West. Lacey is a CPA.”
Michelle said something polite to Lacey and she said something polite back, but her concentration wasn’t what it should have been because she felt unreasonable jealousy over his association with the other woman.
“I’m afraid I need to be going. Thank you for the party, Max. I think your documentary was outstanding.”
He eyed her with suspicion. “I think you’re being diplomatic so as not to embarrass me in front of my friends.”
“No. I really meant it.”
“So a man from California can do something right. Is that what you’re saying?”
“I’m sure you can do several things right.”
“Well, thank you. This is getting better and better. I’ll walk you out to your car so you can enumerate them for me.”
“What about your guests?”
“They’ll survive without me.”
When they reached the sidewalk she said, “Actually I didn’t come in my car because I live close by.”
“Then I’ll walk you home. Which way?”
“Not very far.”
He gripped her arm as they moved toward her sister’s porch.
When it dawned on him what was happening, he slowed down and she felt his hand fall away, leaving her bereft. She thought, of course, that he’d chuckle or at least smile at the amazing coincidence. But he did neither. In fact, his face was no longer animated.
“What’s going on?” The remoteness of his voice brought her up short.
“When you gave me your address,” she began in a quiet voice, “I found out we were next-door neighbors and decided to surprise you. But you don’t look very happy about it.”
“Perhaps that’s because your husband, Brad, told me your name was Valerie.” His brows knit together. “How many other aliases do you go by besides Lorraine, Gloria, and Lacey?”
“You don’t understand,” she cried, anxious to straighten out the misconceptions. “I’m Lacey, Valerie’s twin sister. I’ve been house-sitting their condo while they’re in the Far East.”
“Really.”
Lacey rarely displayed her temper, but she did have one. Right now it was threatening to erupt. “Yes. Why would I lie?”
“Why does anyone?” he returned smoothly.
She blinked. It looked like only a picture of her with Valerie was going to restore him to the person she thought she knew. “There are photog
raphs inside if you need proof.” At this point her chin had lifted defensively.
When he didn’t say anything, the negative tension increased. More upset than she’d been in a long time, she opened the door to the condo. To her horror, she heard Greg’s voice. “Lacey? Is that you? I’ve been waiting for you so we could go to bed.”
Dear God. In such a suspicious frame of mind, she could just imagine the construction her neighbor would put on Greg’s presence, let alone that remark.
Max’s eyes became blue pinpoints of light. “No wonder you were in such a hurry to leave my place.”
“No—” she whispered, frantic to set the record straight.
“Who’s with you?” Greg demanded in a possessive tone.
Her eyes closed tightly because so much damage had been done already, she didn’t know how she was going to get back in Max’s good graces.
“Aren’t you going to introduce us, Lacey?” Greg had finally made it to the door on his crutches.
So angry she was ready to kill Greg, she muttered, “This is Max Jarvis. Max, meet an old family friend, Greg Peters.”
Max stood like a piece of petrified wood. Greg nodded. “Hi, Max. Sometimes I catch your radio show. You’re pretty good for an outsider.”
“For an incapacitated man, you do pretty well yourself.” His narrowed gaze switched to Lacey. “You should have told me about your old family friend. He could have come to the party, as well.”
“Sorry I made her late, but you know how it is when you’re helpless,” Greg interjected. “Don’t stay up too long, Lacey.”
As he turned around with some difficulty, Lacey shied away from those faintly accusing blue slits. “It seems I didn’t get you home any too soon.”
“Greg is a spoiled child, and has never made the best patient,” she muttered beneath her breath.
“How fortunate that such a large child has someone like you to fill his needs.”
Lacey blinked. No matter what Max thought about Greg, she was surprised at his reaction. She doubted it had anything to do with jealousy. He honestly thought she’d lied to him. Why would he jump to so many conclusions unless someone he’d loved in the past hadn’t been honest with him? Talk about being scarred forever...
“Tell me, Lacey—assuming that’s your real name. If I were to suddenly become incapacitated, would you be as kind to me?”
His question caught her on the raw. “Somehow the idea of you being incapacitated for any reason would never occur to me.”
“Maybe I’ll return from the Amazon with a poison dart wound and surprise you.”
“If you are attacked by hostile natives, it will probably be because you said something out of ignorance and they were forced to take action.”
His head reared back and he laughed, but his eyes were still unsmiling when he said, “No matter what kind of life you lead, you ought to be working in radio. You’re a natural.”
The compliment passed her by completely. “What do you mean, the kind of life I lead?”
“Let’s just say your life is a colorful one and leave it at that.”
“Colorful?” Indignation sent the blood rushing to her cheeks. “That’s an interesting choice of words considering you know next to nothing about me.”
“I know more than you think I do.”
“Really? Perhaps one day you’ll let me in on it. How soon are you leaving for the Amazon?”
“Tomorrow morning. We’ll be gone six days. Why do you ask? Are you a fan of Lon Freeman?”
Lacey’s face closed up. “He’s an excellent talk show host. But don’t worry, he doesn’t have your following. Don’t tell me you’re fishing for compliments when you know that your program draws more listeners than anyone else on Radio Talk.”
“That’s always nice to hear, considering I’m from California,” he drawled.
“I know. Strange, isn’t it?”
Suddenly even that brief spurt of levity vanished as he said, “What I want to know is how you’re privy to inside information about the ratings.”
Lacey had taken enough for one night. “I have my sources, but I must admit I’m surprised you bothered to ask. Considering you know me so well,” she rejoined with a heavy dose of sarcasm.
“Lacey?” Greg called to her again.
Max’s glance was derisive. “You’d better go in. Your old family friend is making noises.”
She wanted to explain that Greg and his ex-fiancée were in the middle of a huge fight, that he would be going back to his own apartment in the morning. But Max had made her so mad, she said something completely different.
“I had intended inviting you in to show you some old family photographs, but I just remembered that you have your own party to get back to. What’s-her-name is probably wondering why you’re taking so long to say good-night to such a—” Lacey paused. “Colorful person.”
Too heated to remember her manners and thank him for the party, she hurried inside the condo and shut the door. By the time she’d reached her bedroom, she was in tears.
Greg knocked on the door and tried to get her to talk to him, but she was too hurt and upset to answer.
“Look, Lacey—I know you’re mad at me. But I was only trying to warn him off because I have a feeling he could hurt you a lot more than Perry ever did. This guy has really been around. You know? He’s in his mid-thirties. If he’s still single, don’t you wonder why?”
Yes. She’d been wondering about that ever since he’d told her he wasn’t married. Something was wrong with Max Jarvis, but it was none of Greg’s business.
“Look, Greg, I need time to sort it all out. I need peace. Go to bed.”
“Hey—I’m sorry, Lacey.”
“I believe you, but right now I want to be left alone.”
“Okay. Good night.”
Lacey pounded the pillow. There wasn’t one good thing about this night. Her eyes darted to the phone at the side of her bed. She had to fight the compulsion to phone The Voice and really have it out with him. Who did he think he was, throwing around innuendos that wounded her deeply?
She tossed and turned for what seemed like hours. At some point however, she must have fallen asleep. The next morning she awakened still wearing the black dress, which was a crumpled mess. Numbly, she took a shower and got dressed.
There was no noise coming from Max’s side of the wall. He’d probably left for the Amazon already. The pit in her stomach yawned wide as she trudged into the kitchen to fix George and Greg some breakfast.
He still occupied the couch, but had enough sense not to cross her in this mood. George was always attuned to her feelings and made low hooting sounds, following her everywhere.
Once they’d eaten, she drove Greg to his apartment in the center of town, made sure he had everything he needed, then headed to Croft’s bookstore to bring home some accounts she was working on for them.
It set the pattern for the rest of the week, but Max was gone out of her life never to return, and she felt like she was in mourning.
She kept looking around her sister’s condo, aware of a loneliness she’d never experienced in her life. Not even her parents’ death had made her feel this desolate. She was almost twenty-eight years old and had nothing to show for it. No home of her own. No husband, no children.
Lorraine would tell her to look on the positive side. She had her health, a wonderful job, good friends and family. It should be enough.
It had always been enough until Max Jarvis moved to Utah and made her fall in love with his voice. Except she was terrified that somewhere along the way, she’d fallen in love with more than his voice and couldn’t do one thing about it because he hated her.
After another good cry, while George made commiserating hoots, she decided that rattling around the condo wallowing in self-pity would make her worse. She’d drive over to Nester’s and have a good talk. Then she’d come back and take George to the park.
Later that weekend, Cameron Morgan drove down to Salt Lake from Id
aho Falls and dropped by the condo Sunday night to thank Lacey for helping him with the books. When she heard the doorbell ring, she put George in the bathroom, then answered the door.
Cameron had brought her a box of chocolate truffles, his favorite candy on earth, and hers. She invited him in and took off the lid just as the doorbell rang again.
“Excuse me a moment, Cameron.” She bit into a truffle before getting up from the couch to answer it, and almost fainted to discover Max Jarvis standing on the porch. In six days he’d acquired a bronzed sheen and looked fantastic in Levi’s and a cream-colored crew neck pullover.
She felt intense relief that he’d returned safely, which was absurd. According to Radio Talk, he’d been traipsing all over the world for a number of years, doing a variety of things in remote, dangerous places.
But she hadn’t known him then, and hadn’t been captivated by his intriguing personality and charisma. The problem was, after last week she never expected to see him again except in passing. Besides thinking she was a liar, he’d assumed she and Greg were lovers.
His penetrating gaze traveled beyond her to Cameron, who was helping himself to another truffle. More damning evidence in Max’s eyes, no doubt.
“It seems I’ve arrived at the wrong time.”
“You’re welcome to come in,” she dared him, feeling reckless with Cameron as her security.
“I have a proposition to discuss with you but I can do it another time when you’re not busy.”
“I’m leaving,” Cameron spoke up, walking toward them.
Lacey could have wept because he was deserting her. He smiled at Max, expecting an introduction.
She might as well get it over with. “Cameron Morgan, this is Max Jarvis.”
“Any relation to Nester?” Max shot the question at him. To anyone else, it sounded innocent, but Lacey heard the undertones and knew Max was just getting warmed up.
Cameron smiled. “He’s my dad. I’ve been made a junior partner in his firm, and you’re the talk show host. I’ve listened to you on my drives to Idaho Falls. You’re great!”
No Wife Required! Page 5