The Couple Most Likely To

by Lilian Darcy

  Are you prepared to put that in writing? the man asked.

  It is in writing already, in our brochure, she said firmly, And elsewhere.

  Feeling heat rising inside her clothing, she waited for more of his hostile attitude, not knowing what more she could do. She could see he had genuine concerns, and she understood the reasons for them, but he was the kind of man who expressed anxiety in the form of aggression, and she didnt want to see all of the good work that Jake and Justine and Marian had done this evening unraveled by one critical question.

  Well think about it, the man growled. Trust me, were researching our options down to the last detail, and if there is even a whisper of more trouble, we will go elsewhere.

  Jake stepped back to the podium. As you should, if thats how you feel, he said. Thanks for asking about it, and thanks for the clarification, Stacey.

  When Stacey stood at the podium for the last time, it was simply to thank the speakers and invite everyone to enjoy their supper. Several couples immediately steered in Jakes direction and she had to move quickly to reach him first.

  Youre going to be swamped with questions, she warned. Let me get you something to eat and drink, because youll never reach the table yourself.

  He looked grateful. Coffee and a couple of chocolate chip cookies?

  Coming right up. Just milk?

  Yep, as always. Dont forget Marian and Justine. Theyre going to be kept busy, also.

  She nodded. But I already know their supper preferences.

  Of course. Youve organized these evenings before.

  I enjoy them. People arrive nervous and skeptical and leave energized, ready to consider options they hadnt even known about before. I really like to see that transition.

  So do I. And it was a great idea to have Marian speak, as well.

  Shes like you, fairly new at the Childrens Connection and a great asset.

  His reply this time was indirect. Staceyyou must have a sitter at home?

  Thats right. But Max and Ella should be sound asleep, letting her study, so dont feel that you have to hurry the session to a close. Let me get you that supper.

  Stacey departed in search of Jakes coffee and cookies before he could say anything further to her. He saw the three couples who were hanging back, awaiting his attention, and stepped toward them, having to work harder than usual to respond to their questions with the right enthusiasm.

  He wanted to keep talking to Stacey, follow through on his question about the sitter.

  Hed been aware of her all through the evening. The way shed hopped up so cheerfully from her seat at the end of the front row when it was her turn at the podium. The way shed folded his jacket and sweater over the back of the chair next to her and smoothed them with her hands. The way shed encouraged people with their questions, repeating them more loudly or in clearer language when not everyone had heard and understood. One woman had rambled on for too long with no apparent question or point to make, and Stacey had managed to cut her off without any feelings getting hurt.

  A week ago, hed had no thought that he would ever see her again. Now, already, shed begun to matter, and he knew hed be left with a sense of loss if they couldnt find the right way to connect. Was she right to say that amicable too often meant superficial? He had a powerful recognition of her innate worth in his life, and realized in a moment of blinding understanding that he wanted more, much more, than simply their shared memories, both good and bad.

  Seconds later, she brought him his refreshments, slipping into a momentary gap when no one was talking to him. You were very good tonight, she said.

  So were you. He lowered his voice. You did a great job handling the issue of the incidents that happened three years ago. Thanks for that.

  Part of the job. Weve had questions on it in the past, although this was the most direct. I was grateful to you when you moved the subject on, without playing it down too much.

  Well, I would hate to see this place tainted by problems that no longer exist. The public may have a short memory, but if its jogged by fresh and overemotive coverage in the press He stopped, realizing that they were in danger of being overheard.

  Dr. Logan? a woman began.

  More questions. Before the couple could claim his full attention, he added quickly to Stacey, Its still early and you have the sitter. Could we go somewhere?

  More food?

  He shrugged. The company would be the important part.

  Her blue eyes seemed to glisten as she looked at him. He prepared to marshal his arguments.

  No strings.

  No heavy weight from the past.

  Just as friends.

  But before he could say another word, she nodded. Yes. Youre right. It would be the company, and Id like that. Ill call the sitter and tell her Ill be later than I planned.

  They drove in Jakes car to a restaurant-bar that overlooked the Willamette River and a marina of pleasure boats.

  The night was mild for early January. The past few days of rain had eased back to a damp mist and the stretch of dark water overlooked by the restaurant appeared like a stage set. There were blue halos around the streetlamps, streaks of fog hovering like transparent fabric behind the dim shapes of the boats, and white fairy lights shaping the bare limbs of the trees.

  Would you like to walk for a bit? Jake suggested as he shrugged broad shoulders into his jacket. The air feels good. I was called in for a delivery at five this morning and havent been out of the hospital since.

  You must be tired! I dont know how doctors deal with the sleep disruption, actually. Stacey unfolded her plum-colored coat and he held it for her. When he stood behind her, she felt the brush of his breath over her hair. Getting up in the night if Max or Ella has a nightmare is enough for me, now that were done with night feedings. Of course we can get some air. Id enjoy it.

  They began to walk. Jake linked his arm through Staceys and she squeezed back, giving him a sideways smile. She was glad shed said yes to coming out with him tonight. It felt like the first step toward something goodsomething she could reach and hold and claim if she worked at it hard enough.

  Mmm, this is good, Jake said after several minutes. Its waking me up. I should get a decent sleep tonight. Somebody else is on call, and I dont have surgery in the morning so I dont start until nine.

  Mild for January still meant that the temperature was in the thirties. Their breath steamed, but with the brisk pace he set she was soon warm in her thick wool coat. Warm and content.

  How come babies always seem to come in the early hours of the morning? she said. The twins were born at twenty after four. Im sure my doctor was cursing me.

  Who was your ob-gyn?

  Damian Cheeley. John knew him from college. I liked him, but I didnt love him.

  I dont know the name.

  Hes moved on, now. Somewhere in California, I think.

  They were quiet for a few moments, until the chill began to sink into their bones. Ready to turn around and head inside? Jake asked.

  Yes, I am, but this was good. Im glad we didnt go in direct from the car.

  Inside, on the upper level at a table by the windows, the aroma of beer and seafood that reached Staceys nose made a mockery of the instant coffee granules and packet cookies she had prepared for the information night, and Jake confessed that hed eaten dinner on the run. Mind if we check out their bar food?

  Not at all.

  After some lighthearted debate, they ordered a mixed platter of appetizers and a light beer each, then forgot how hungry they were as they talked.

  Tell me more about the twins, Jake said. He watched Staceys face light up at once, but she quickly schooled her expression so that the light dimmed again. He didnt understand why.

  Theyre good, she said. I mean, theyre great, obviously. Theyre very different.

  Why the awkwardness?

  Tell me, he insisted.

  She smiledthe dimpled sarcastic version. Jake, I have to warn you, I am completely capable of boring people
into a hypnotic trance talking about my kids. You were polite enough to ask and now Ive answered. Lets leave it, okay? Tell me about, oh, Australia. Did you have kangaroos in your backyard?

  Yeah, and when I wanted a ride somewhere I just hopped into a pouch and gave directions. Stace, please dont tell me youre avoiding talking about your kids because you think Im one of those Child Free Zone types who

  Child Free Zone?

  You know what I mean. Drop their friends when the birth announcement arrives. Ask to get moved on airplanes if theres a toddler less than three rows away. I deliver babies for a living, remember? I like them. I just He stopped.

  No. No. Dont say it.

  He didnt want to talk about Anna again. Theyd already trodden that ground. It was time to move on, find some new connectionsif that was possible.

  Their eyes met for a momenthers looked darker in the dimness of the barand he suspected she felt the same as he did. If they couldnt move forward, then theyd soon reach a level where they gave each other awkward smiles when they passed in a hospital corridor, or pretended they hadnt seen each other standing in the cafeteria line at lunch. He didnt want that.

  And Stacey?

  Dont let Annas loss darken your life this way, Jake, she said on a whisper. She deserves better than that. She deserves to bring you good things, to warm your heart, not close it off.

  I dont see it that way. And I dont want to talk about it. He gritted his teeth and felt his hands ball into fists. Seriously, switch topics, can you?

  If thats what you want. Their food and drinks arrived, but she ignored them and spoke fast, her words a clear attempt to drown the sound of words he didnt want to hear or say. Max is more timid and clingy than his sister. I think hes going to be musical. But Im probably kidding myself. He sure hammers away on his little xylophone. So definitely either music or carpentry.

  Jake laughed.

  Ella is more confident and outgoing. But shes creative, too. For a two-year-old she can really focus on things like paint and clay. Great fine motor skills. She pushed her fork into a stuffed mushroom and began to relax.

  He nodded. Im sure theyre both bright.

  They talked about her life some more, as they ate. Practical details such as the fact that shed bought out Johns half of their house after the divorce. A little about her sister. Giselle had called the other night and left a message, but Stacey hadnt yet called her back and felt guilty about it.

  Except that when we do talk, its always about how perfect her life is, and what darling gifts Mom gave her for her birthday, and how much Mom adores StirlingGiselles husbandand the exquisite work the landscapers did on her new courtyard. I cant describe our relationship. Im sounding like a bitch.

  Yeah, you should be the model for a soap opera character, Stace, he drawled. Your heart is truly black.

  She laughed. Okay, so Im in such a rut, I cant even cut it as a bitch.

  Didnt I apologize about saying the rut thing?

  You did, but that doesnt mean Im going to let it drop. Now its your turn to talk. Detail on the kangaroos. If theyre not as cute as they look in pictures, Logan, I authorize you to lie.

  Theyre cute, Handley, its okay. He reached his hand out to hers across the table. And I think were okay now, too.

  I think so, yes.

  She left her hand where it was, cradled in his, and neither of them spoke for a long time as they ate and drank. Finally, he was the one to break the silence. Are youpretty stunnedby how much? He broke off, struggling for words. By just how much is still going on here?

  She nodded, and said everything else with her blue eyes. They dropped to her empty plate after a moment, as if the intensity was too hard to handle. I should get back to the sitter soon. Shes a college freshman and she has classes tomorrow. Can you just excuse me for a moment?

  Sure.

  She slid out of her seat.

  Jake looked at his watch. Eleven-thirty. He should be dropping in his tracks after his long day. But Stacey had always energized him. Something about her warm heart and lively mind. In his experience, you didnt always find the two in combination. It definitely energized him. A couple of minutes later, as he watched her coming back from the bathroom with her curves and her grace unconsciously on display, he felt as if hed dropped fifteen years.

  And hed acquired the hormones to match.

  The hormones, and a willingness to plan like a military strategist for the right opportunity to kiss her.

  If he kissed her now, across the table, the moment would end in a few seconds. If he waited until he dropped her back at her car, still parked at the hospital, she would be focused on getting home, relieving the sitter, checking on her sleeping kids. But if they walked out of here with their coat sleeves brushing together and he kissed her on the deserted sidewalk

  Moments after they left the restaurant, he stopped beneath a starburst of winter fairy lights and turned her into his arms, knowing it was right.

  Jake? she murmured, then, Oh

  He still knew just how to touch her.

  He had taken her by surprise. Which was crazy when Stacy considered the awareness that had crackled between them all evening, both at the information session and in the more intimate atmosphere of the waterfront bar.

  Hed picked his moment perfectly. She had just begun to think ahead, hoping Melody would be happy about the extra money she would earn babysitting this late, wondering if there was any chance that Max and Ella would play quietly in their cribs when they awoke in the morning, instead of dragging her out of bed at six.

  Now, these thoughts were chased away by the pressure of his hand and the touch of his mouth. His arms wrapped around her, fitting against her body exactly right. She could feel his strength, the muscles beneath his jacket and sweater, the heat coursing through him.

  His mouth felt warm and tasted sweet.

  And just right, in a way that Johns mouth never had.

  Why was it so magical? Why did the whole world suddenly make sense because of this?

  She gave him everything with her responsehonesty and promise and faith. Yes, I want this. Yes, Ill give you more. Yes, we can make it into something good, I know we can. Taste me, feel the way I open to you, Im holding nothing back.

  She pressed her breasts against his chest, splayed her fingers on his back and felt his hands drop to cup her backside through her coat and pull her even closer.

  Stacey, he groaned.

  Dont stop. She ran her fingers up through his hair, let her tongue tangle with his, rocked her hips deliberately against his arousal, its hard bulk making her soften and swell even further. Even through their clothing she had that same intensely physical sense that they fit, that they belonged. That if they went further it would only get better.

  Do you know what youre doing to me? Jake asked in a hushed whisper.

  Yes.

  Do it some more.

  Oh, yes

  He only broke from their kiss because someone walked by, their footsteps cracking out like warning gunfire. Even now, his mouth was only a few inches away, his eyes close enough to drown in. Can we see each other on the weekend?

  Totally shaken, she pulled back a little farther and tried to lighten the atmosphere. I dont know. Does this still fall within your definition of amicable?

  Uh, no, I guess its gone up a couple of notches from there.

  She nodded.

  You havent answered my question, he prompted her.

  The weekend, she echoed, thoughts all over the place, body aflame.

  Im not on call. He sounded as vague as she felt. His eyes stayed fixed on her face and his thumb brushed her lower lip. He looked at her mouth, and the look was as powerful as any kiss.

  Right.

  Come over for lunch. You know the address. Well take it from there.

  Take it where?

  She didnt dare to ask, because she knew what answer he would give, and once hed made it explicit and out in the open she would have to stop pretending to herself that this
was safe. That she was in control.

  She wasnt in control of anything where Jake Logan was concerned. She never had been.

  Sounds good, she managed to say.

  Make it eleven? Later, if you want.

  Eleven will be fine. She could talk to Melody tonight and find out if she was available Saturday. Or maybe her friend, Valbona, would have the twins at her place for a few hours.

  Today was Tuesday. Saturday was four days away.

  It seemed like too long to wait.

  Chapter Five

  J ake?

  Stacey, dont tell me youre lost, he teased her.

  She sounded a little frazzled over the phone, and he had a very selfish plea surging up from inside him which he managed not to voice out loud: Please dont tell me somethings come up and you have to cancel.

  Hed planned this lunch carefully.

  Hed bought cheese sticks, blackberry and apple juice boxes, oven-bake frozen chicken nuggets and fries for the twins, as well as big people food. Hed even gone to the mall this morning and tracked down a toy store. There was now a big box of brand-new colored plastic building blocks reposing in the center of his abstract-patterned, handwoven great room rug, as well as a couple of other toddler playthings hed borrowed yesterday from his new nurse-receptionist at the clinic. He liked the color and promise they created.

  Im not lost, Stacey said. But I think Im going to have to cancel. My sitter just called, three minutes ago. Shes sprained her ankle. So she says. I mean, shes usually pretty reliable, but at the moment I could kill her if shes making it up just because she doesnt feel like coming out in the rain. Im going to be brutally honest, Jake, Ive really been looking forward to this, and now

  She sounded close to tears.

  Or violence.

  Which pretty much summed up his own reaction.