No Wife Required!

by Rebecca Winters

  Lacey didn’t know Cameron liked Radio Talk. He immediately went up in her estimation.

  “You mean, you don’t condemn me for being from California?”

  “Are you kidding? The talk show hosts from Utah are boring. Keep up the good work. Lacey?” He directed his attention to her. “I’ve got to run. See you in a month. I’ll never be able to thank you for helping me out.” He turned to her neighbor. “It was nice meeting you, Mr. Jarvis.”

  Max made an appropriate comment and followed Lacey inside the condo as Cameron left to go out to his car. She shut the door and leaned against it, cognizant of tension in the air now that Cameron had gone.

  “Obviously the natives didn’t get you with their blowguns, so you don’t need nursing care. Why are you here?” She knew she was being rude, but it was her only defense.

  “Where shall I begin?” There was something so suggestive in the question, it sent a major shock wave through her body.

  Why did he affect her this way? She’d fought her feelings all week, and now he was back, reducing her to a trembling, lovesick fool.

  He finally took pity on her and said, “My boss wants you to make another appearance on my show along with the infamous Dr. Ryder.”

  Max could have called her or sent a letter. Instead he’d deliberately come in person to torture her.

  “You mean, you’re really going to have that idiot back on the show?”

  “That was our agreement if you won the poll, wasn’t it?”

  “Well, yes, but—”

  “You didn’t think I’d honor it.”

  “I didn’t say that.”

  “But you implied it. Would it make you nervous to appear on the same show with him?”

  “Hardly. He’s not my favorite person, as you know. Do you think he’ll come?”

  “He’ll have to,” Max said with a knowing half smile, “if only to save face. I’m told we’ve had a flood of calls while I’ve been out of town. It appears you’re a champion of the people and they want a rematch. Will the twenty-sixth be all right for you?”

  Lacey nodded. She was pleased that the owner of the station wanted her for a reappearance. But at what risk if she had to be with Max again?

  “Aren’t you supposed to be doing your show right now?” she blurted.

  “You noticed,” he said, as if the thought pleased him. “I stopped over in California to see my father after we returned from the Amazon.” This was the first time he’d mentioned his family.

  “Southern California, isn’t it?”

  He nodded. “Laguna Beach.”

  She was surprised he would tell her something so personal when he was such a private person over the air.

  “That used to be my favorite spot. Why would you ever leave it to come to Utah of all places?”

  “I had my reasons. Do you go there often?”

  “Our family used to vacation at Laguna.”

  “Where, exactly?” He acted amused, like everything she said was a big joke.

  “The Coast Highway Inn.”

  “That’s only a block from Dad’s.”

  “The lucky man. Valerie and I often fantasized about living in one of the homes we could see from the terrace of our room.”

  “Valerie, again.”

  It seemed the appropriate time to take one of the pictures off the wall so he could see the proof for himself. He studied it for a few agonizing minutes.

  “It was taken in Laguna. We’re entirely different except for our looks.”

  “You mean, her comments wouldn’t make the switchboard at the station light up like a Christmas tree?”

  Lacey’s mouth curved upward. “That’s right. We disagree on every issue. For one thing, she thinks you’re wonderful. So does Lorraine.”

  His eyes darkened in intensity before he put the picture back on the wall. “Tell me about Lorraine.”

  “She’s a close friend of my family who took care of Valerie and me after our parents were killed in a train wreck coming home from California.”

  A stillness came over him. “I’m sony about your parents,” he said in a low voice. “Your aversion to California is no longer a mystery.”

  “I—it’s not an aversion, and I’ve gotten over the worst of the pain. Were you born there?”

  “No. Hong Kong.”

  “Was your father in the military?”

  “No. He worked as an educator for the state department, helping to create teaching curriculums for Third World countries. In my growing-up years, we lived in dozens of countries and traveled everywhere. After Dad retired, he moved to Laguna.”

  “I’ve never been outside the U.S., but Laguna must be one of the most beautiful places on earth.”

  His face reflected surprise. “I admit it’s lovely, but I assure you there are islands and beaches in the South Pacific that far surpass it.”

  She ran a trembling hand through her hair. “I’ll have to take your word for it.”

  “Don’t you have a desire to travel?”

  “Of course, but my parents were stay-at-homes without much money, and the last few years I’ve been too busy trying to make a living to take a trip.”

  His gaze swept over her. “I noticed. Maybe it’s time you took a long rest from whatever it is you do.”

  She stiffened. “Maybe so, but right now I’d gladly settle for a good night’s sleep.”

  His jaw hardened. “So would I.”

  “What’s the matter? Did you catch a strange virus or something?”

  “No.” His voice grated. “I think I picked up something a little closer to home.”

  What was he saying. “A-are you ill?”

  “In a manner of speaking, yes.”

  “Have you seen a doctor?”

  “A doctor wouldn’t be able to help.”

  She felt an unwanted twinge of compassion for him. “Is there anything I can do for you?” It dawned on her that his visit mightn’t have been purely professional after all.

  “Don’t you think nursing one man with a broken leg is enough to handle without taking on someone else?”

  “Greg is recuperating at his own apartment now,” she interjected, glad for the opportunity to clear up any misconceptions.

  His eyes narrowed on her face. “What about the other man who lives here part of the time?”

  Lacey let out a smothered cry. “There is no other man.”

  Max’s cheeks had gone a ruddy color. “That well-shaped nose of yours should be at least a foot longer by now. Let me refresh your memory. His name is George, and the two of you enjoy taking midnight baths together.”

  Her eyes grew huge. “Oh, my gosh. You could hear us through the bathroom wall?” she shrieked.

  “Enough for my friends to place bets on whether you prefer hairy men or not.”

  “You were purposely listening?” she demanded, trying to smother her laughter.

  “They were helping me fix the plumbing under my bathroom sink. It was impossible not to hear everything.”

  At that revelation, Lacey’s entire body turned a hot pink. When she thought of the conversations he and his friends had overheard, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

  “You play a dangerous game. Does Lorraine have any idea you’re fooling around and going on trips with her boyfriend?”

  Lacey was on the verge of hysteria and could hardly get the words out. “Actually she does know.”

  “Then that’s quite a friendship. It puts her on the same level as you. But just so you know, these walls are paper thin. Next time one of your lovers comes to town for a one-night stand, I suggest you leave George in the storage cupboard without the TV. It was a dead giveaway.”

  “You knew he was out there?”

  His lips twisted sardonically. “I know enough to realize you’ve got an interesting business going on the side. One of these nights I expect the police to raid your condo. If you’re not driving off in a motor home with one man, you’re playing father and son against each othe
r.”

  “They’re both happily married!”

  His smile taunted her. “That’s right. You only despise married men who pretend to be single. Why all that righteous indignation over Dr. Ryder when you have someone like Greg Peters probably breaking his leg on purpose to spend a little quality time with you?”

  “Your paranoia is showing, Mr. Jarvis,” she said through gritted teeth. “For your information, Greg and his fiancée are having problems right now.”

  A cruel laugh escaped. “I wonder why. When you think about it, it’s a miracle you had a minute to fit in my party. But I can assure you, you’re wasting your time with me.”

  At this point her adrenaline was going haywire. “You think I’m after you?”

  “If the shoe fits,” he replied, baiting her. “It’s happened to me before, one of the negative aspects of being a radio personality.”

  “Whoa... And I thought Lon Freeman had an ego.”

  “Why pretend to be outraged?” He continued to persecute her as if she’d never spoken. “You found out I lived next door and decided I’d be your next conquest. So you purposely called in on my show and arranged to be a guest.

  “Evidently Nester Morgan would do anything for you, even break the law. For that matter, my producer hasn’t been the same since he met you.

  “But just so you know, whatever it is that causes men to throw themselves at you, you went after the wrong man when you targeted me.”

  “Really?” she mocked. “Then why did you invite me to your party?”

  “Surely it’s obvious. I didn’t know you were the predatory female who lived next door.”

  Furious, her hands went to her hips. “Even if I were the femme fatale you’ve made me out to be, which I’m not and could prove hands down if I wanted to, why do you care?”

  For an infinitesimal moment, she thought she saw a shadow enter those glacial blue orbs, but maybe she was mistaken.

  “I gave you time on my program because I thought you were sincere. It turns out you’re as big a hypocrite as Dr. Ryder. It ought to make for an interesting program. See you on the twenty-sixth. I’ll let myself out.”

  CHAPTER FIVE

  “NOT so fast,” Lacey blurted, interposing herself between him and the front door. She’d never been so angry in her entire life, and the way he was watching her chest heave only added fuel to the flames.

  “You’ve had your say, now it’s my turn.” With her hands braced against the wood behind her back for support, she called in a clear voice, “George? Open the bathroom door and come in the living room, please.”

  There were a couple of answering hoots.

  Max frowned, suddenly alert. “What was that?”

  Clenching her jaw, she said, “That’s George, of course. Since you know so much about me and my wicked life, I’m surprised you had to ask.”

  “He sounds more animal than human.”

  “Well, George is quite a specimen, but he’s also more loving and giving than any man I’ve ever met. I trust him completely. The problem is, can I trust you?”

  He sent her a half-angry, half-puzzled glance. As far as she was concerned, Max Jarvis deserved everything coming to him.

  “I must warn you. He loves me and is very sensitive. Some people get nervous around him. Please don’t do anything to upset him.”

  “Why would I do that when I’m leaving?” he muttered coldly.

  “You can’t go yet. He wants to meet you. For one thing, you’re my next-door neighbor. For another, he’s been very curious about you. I think it’s time you two became acquainted. Come on in, George.”

  Before Max could put her physically aside, George ambled into the room and made a dash for Lacey. His hooting sounds stopped Max, who pivoted around, his stunned gaze fastening on the monkey who scuttled around him and grabbed Lacey around the legs.

  “Mr. Jarvis. This is George.”

  Max muttered something unintelligible beneath his breath. Lacey started to laugh and couldn’t stop. When she finally quieted down, she said, “George is a very special capuchin monkey trained by my friend, Lorraine, to aid other-abled victims. In a few weeks, he’ll be going to his very first case.

  “She wants him to be totally accepting and trusting of human contact so he’ll bond with his patient, so please don’t do anything to startle him.”

  “You think I’m the hysterical type?” he demanded fiercely.

  “No. But I just wanted to give you warning.”

  His brow furrowed once more. “Consider me warned.”

  “Then put out your hand.”

  Max did as she said and the short little monkey crossed the distance to grasp his fingers. To Max’s credit, he didn’t hesitate or back away. After examining him, his brilliant blue eyes fastened on Lacey.

  “He’s the one you put out in the storeroom with the TV?” Lacey nodded. “The one who cavorted with you in the bathtub?”

  “Yes.” She chuckled all over again. “You won’t tell the management, will you? Lorraine’s coming for him on Tuesday. I’ve been tending him while she’s been recovering from a short-term illness.”

  He stared at her for an overly long time, obviously having to make a few readjustments in his thinking. Since she doubted she would ever catch him in such a vulnerable moment again, she took advantage of the situation by encouraging George to run through his repertoire of tricks.

  Max watched in fascination. “He’s incredible.”

  “I think so, too. But please don’t tell Brad when he and Valerie get back from Japan. Though he doesn’t like animals, Valerie said I could keep him here if I promised Brad never found out.”

  “I won’t divulge your secret. Perhaps one day Lorraine could be a guest on the show and tell the listening audience about this little guy.”

  Lacey’s green eyes lit up. “Lorraine would be indebted to you.”

  “Does that mean you’d be able to find the time to come with her?”

  “That depends on whether or not you still think I’m a liar.”

  His eyes were half veiled. “Let’s just say that you’ve given me cause for reflection.”

  She had the feeling it was a huge concession for him to make. “I—I’d do anything to help Lorraine’s project. She’s in the process of starting a rehabilitation center here in Salt Lake.

  “When these monkeys are born, they need foster homes to learn how to live with humans before they can be trained to help quadriplegics. There might be people listening to the show who’d be willing to foster a monkey like George.”

  He stood there with a lopsided smile, letting George do all his tricks again. “To my recollection, we’ve never had someone in Lorraine’s line of work on the show before. It ought to be a hit with everyone.” He raised his head. “Even you...”

  Their gazes locked.

  “You’re an intelligent man, Mr. Jarvis. I only meant that when you’re talking about local issues, you lack the understanding someone has developed who’s lived in Utah all his life.”

  He eyed her critically. “My name is Max. Has it ever occurred to you that an unbiased outsider can discuss issues without becoming emotionally involved? That way, I can remain objective and listen to both points of view.”

  “I understand what you’re saying, but Utah isn’t like a lot of other places. The only way I can describe it is, an enigma within an enigma.”

  “On that point, I tend to agree with you.”

  The inflection in his voice led her to believe he was talking about something, or someone else. The blood pounded in her ears.

  “Excuse me while I put George down for the night.”

  While she escorted him to the kitchen, the phone started ringing. She reached for it as Max followed George over to his basket.

  It was Greg, wanting to find out if he was still in the doghouse with her. She told him she’d have to call him back and hung up the receiver.

  “You shouldn’t have cut him off on my account,” Max drawled quietly from the door
way linking the kitchen to the living room. “I can let myself out.” The tension was back.

  It had been so wonderful to feel natural around Max for a few minutes, she wasn’t prepared to let him go. “Would you like a cup of cocoa with me before you leave? It might help you to sleep.”

  “I doubt it,” he muttered, “but I won’t say no to the offer.”

  Her heart thudded with excitement as she motioned for him to sit at the kitchen table. “Tell me about your trip.”

  He stretched his long legs in front of him and folded his arms across his chest. “Which part? The hundred degree heat and humidity, the mosquitos, the native guide party which deserted us halfway through the forest, or the accident that broke Jeff’s camera?”

  Lacey’s eyes widened. “No wonder you’re feeling under the weather. Does this mean you didn’t get your documentary made after all?”

  He let out a deep sigh. “We managed to put it together, but I don’t think any of us is too eager to leave on our next project right away.”

  “Where will that take you?” she asked as she put their cocoa on the table and sat down opposite him.

  “I haven’t decided yet. The Amazon trip concluded our Native series.” He put the cup to his lips and drank.

  “At least you’re in a position to come and go as you please.”

  His lancing eyes riveted her to the chair. “Unlike you who has an adoring public and would be sorely missed.” He was back to that again.

  She drained her cocoa, then got up from the table. Meeting George hadn’t helped the situation after all. “Since your mind is made up about me, there’s no point in prolonging this discussion.”

  Her pain had come back, worse than before. She washed out her cup in the sink, then trembled when she felt him come to stand behind her. He rested his hands against the counter on either side of her so she was trapped. Her heart started to run away with her.

  “Why don’t you try to change it?” he murmured, his mouth achingly close to her ear.

  “Because it would be futile.” Her voice shook.

  “That’s not an answer. Turn around, Lacey.”

  She shook her head.

  “Shall I tell you why you can’t?” he questioned suggestively.

  Lacey couldn’t take any more and spun around, her eyes beseeching him to be kind to her. It was a mistake. Before she could catch her breath, his mouth closed over hers and he pulled her forcefully into his arms, as if he were starving for her.