Dear Editor

by Emily Sharpe

  It was such a relief to see them together, obviously happy. Chet told hilarious stories about her father, things she'd never heard from their time together with the department.

  Worth sent her flowers at home on New Year's, after which they enjoyed a particularly sweet phone call. They were able to have lunch at the Red Oak on Valentine's Day, but between the magazine, articles and columns, family obligations and meetings, it was suddenly March. Soon Worth's mother would finally visit. The air had that delicious scent of blooming flowers and newly mown grass. Spring had always been Jessica's favorite time of year, and she had high hopes for this one.

  One Thursday late in the month, Worth surprised her with an earlier than usual phone call. He sounded excited. "Hey, I-I'm flying to Boston tomorrow. Could I cash in my rain check?"

  Oh, baby you bet you can, Jessica thought as her voice simply agreed. Up until now, they'd laughed and flirted on the phone and at the office. They'd shared passionate embraces and bared their souls, it seemed, in their conversations. She had deliberately been an open book; his had many more gaps, but maybe none of that mattered. Is this really going to happen?

  Just as she'd done the time before, she slept poorly that night, giddy with anticipation. Donna had commented on her lack of focus again, too, and once more chided the boss behind his back for expecting a columnist to drive him. She had also begun noticing how her friend responded to the boss's every smile and greeting.

  Today, was no exception. "Hi, Worth," Donna called as he passed, loudly enough for Jessica to hear.

  "Is it time already?" Jessica was a little flustered, hearing his approach. Where are my keys?

  Worth smiled. "You're fine. I'm all set. Take your time; I'll meet you at the car." She noticed that his carry-on was barely small enough to pass muster with an airline. This wasn't just a weekend trip, then. Maybe there was a divorcee after all. Vor-cee. Vvvvv. Vince. Audrey Scott said the boy's name was Vincent Alexander. Could he be the friend Worth hadn't wanted to talk about that time? That was months ago, though. Do I want to get into all that today, of all days? Absolutely not.

  Jessica watched him walk away before grabbing her purse, phone and a notebook. Maybe she'd need everything before she got back to work—a reporter just never knew. Or maybe she'd go shopping after Worth left for his flight. She was suddenly aware of how little sexy lingerie she owned. Not that it would matter today, scrambling through their respective layers of clothing in the backseat, but she was definitely due for some underthings with the wow factor. She was all caught up at the office and everyone would assume she was at an interview. While the cat's away…

  Jessica stopped at Donna's desk to tell her goodbye. "Changing into my driver's cap now, but I'll be gone the rest of the day."

  Donna nodded in approval. "Good for you. I still say it's out of line for him to ask you to drive him. You deserve an afternoon off! Have a great weekend—"

  Jessica waved backwards as she headed out. He is waiting for me right at this moment. He's actually waiting for me at my car and we're going to drive together, park together, and finally…

  The times they'd been able to kiss discreetly had been wonderful. They'd come close to taking it further a few times, but mostly, they had emailed, talked on the phone, or sat in the office. They'd had very little alone time. She felt like she knew him better in a just few months than she'd known Eric after several years, but still, his childhood—he always changed the subject.

  She just hoped she could keep her emotions in line on the way. Thoughts of anything else could wait. This is going to be amazing.

  Worth was leaning against her car, staring into his phone. He glanced up with a smile as she approached, holding up his phone before quickly putting it in his jacket pocket. "No delays. It should be a smooth flight." When she pressed the clicker on her car remote, he opened the driver's door for her. Without asking, she also pressed the button to pop the trunk. "I'll just stick my bag in the back seat," Worth said.

  "Won't it get in—" She stopped. This man could be infuriating, but she wasn't going to bring it up. "Sure thing."

  Soon he was beside her, and they were off. "This is nice," Worth murmured, reaching up to play with her hair as she maneuvered out of the building's parking garage. "Just the two of us, talking together in person with no one watching."

  Jessica drew her breath in at his touch. "More than talking, hopefully." She was disappointed when he said nothing. Second thoughts? Damn it. I may save a whole lot of money this afternoon, because I'll be damned if I go into debt at Victoria's Secret for Mr. Prim and Proper.

  Eyes on traffic, she didn't realize she was scowling until she caught Worth eyeing her quizzically.

  "Penny for your thoughts? You look…angry."

  Jessica smiled and dropped her head for a moment. "No, I'm not angry, Worth." She was about to turn into the airport's long-term parking garage. Her heart started to pound. The garage wasn't crowded today, but she would head all the way to the top. When he saw they had privacy, surely, Bathroom Guy would make a reappearance.

  "There's a space there," Worth pointed. An elderly couple was sitting in the car beside the vacant spot, apparently in no hurry to catch a plane.

  Jessica's heart sank. He's changed his mind again? This just isn't going to work. Mom and Dad had it. Hopefully, Mom and Chet will. But Worth and I? Not looking good.

  Taking a few deep breaths, she pulled into the space. "I could have just let you off at the curb," she said evenly. "It would have saved you walking."

  "But I'd like you to walk with me inside," Worth said, taking off his seat belt.

  Jessica's eyes widened, but she said nothing. The gall of this man! Like she had nothing better to do than keep him company while he waited in the security line to go see his divorcee. Vvvvvv. Vince. She'd use the time in the elevator to ask about the boy. "Sure," she said crisply, looking at her watch. "We'd better get moving, then."

  He was her boss, after all. And she was on the clock. Had she really thought he was going to make mad monkey love in the car at the airport parking garage as he left on a business trip? Good grief. What an idiot I am. I think things are one way, and they never are. Maybe Donna was right to be offended on her behalf. Skip could have brought him—he was Worth's assistant! Yes, they had treasured what little alone time they'd been able to muster, and she did enjoy every second, storing each one up for a sort of emotional bank for the long nights alone. I assumed too much. Have to stop doing that. He is wonderful. He did nothing wrong here.

  They walked to the elevator and waited silently as the door opened. Alone inside, Jessica pressed the correct button, but when she turned around, Worth pulled her to him and kissed her enthusiastically. She melted against him in spite of her thoughts and now, her confusion.

  "What is going on, Worth?" She pulled away from him enough to look into his eyes. "I feel like I'm on a roller coaster that goes too fast, then too slow!" Jessica dropped her head and shook it a little. "My parents were always so open with one another. They communicated. I need that too, Worth." She looked back up with tears in her eyes. "If this is ever going to work."

  Now it was Worth's turn to be confused. "What are you talking about?"

  "The parking garage? Backseat? Mad monkey love?" Jessica pushed away from his embrace. "Does any of this sound familiar? Or do you have a twin somewhere who's actually interested in me and I keep getting the two of you mixed up?"

  Worth threw his head back as laughter filled the elevator. "Oh, love. Love." He pulled her into his arms again. Lifting her chin, forcing her to show her face, his eyes softened. "Jessica. I'm so sorry. I wanted to surprise you, not hurt you."

  "You sure did surprise me," she said, shaking her head. "I'm sorry. I just had a different picture in my head. You did nothing wrong, but honestly, I'm having a hard time keeping up with things emotionally. Maybe it's just snowballed. My dad, Eric, you, my mom and Chet—I guess I'm just not handling things as well as I'd like to."

  Worth nod
ded and pulled her closer. "I know what's bothering you. You'd pictured a dark private corner higher up, not bright lights with Ma and Pa Kettle in the next car, watching."

  Jessica giggled against his jacket in spite of herself. "When you put it that way, it does sound ridiculous."

  "Maybe on the way back, we can move the car higher up, but I—"

  "Back?" Jessica's confusion today seemed to know no limits.

  Worth closed his eyes with a hint of exasperation. "I don't want the first time I make love to you to be in the back seat of a car, Jessica. You deserve better than that." He pulled two slips of paper out of his pocket. "I'm taking you to Boston with me. And then…but only if it is completely what you want…I'm taking you. In the finest room of the finest hotel I could find on short notice."

  Jessica stood, mute, trying to comprehend what was happening. Worth's voice was husky as he continued. "I took the liberty of buying a few… things …you might need over the weekend but I'm hoping you won't want to wear much for the next few days."

  Chapter 11

  A Second Chance at Love

  Looking beautiful in the new purple dress she'd bought just for the occasion, Carol looked at the man sitting across from her at the table. Chet had asked her out for a quiet dinner, and now they were in one of the most exclusive restaurants in town. He'd said it was a special night for both of them. What had he meant by that? Was it time? Was she ready? Was he?

  He seemed a bit nervous, too, she noticed as he took her hand after ordering a bottle of the house wine for them to share. "You look radiant tonight," Chet said. "Purple suits you."

  "Everyone looks good in purple," Carol said with a smile as she looked around the room. "This is a really nice place. I've never been here," she said in an attempt to put him at ease. Her own heart was pounding. Could he hear it?

  "It's not been here long. I've heard from some of the other firefighters that the food is out of this world, so I thought we'd try it," he said and then hesitated as if he wanted to say more. He gently rubbed his hand over hers. "Carol, I know Greg has only been gone a little over a year. It's been much longer for me. The times we've spent together have been really nice for me, and I hope, for you as well."

  "Oh, Chet, I've enjoyed them too. It just seems…I don't know…right? I feel comfortable with you. Maybe that wasn't the right term, but it seems as if we were meant to have this time together, after all we've both been through."

  Chet beamed. His shoulders dropped a little from apparent relief. "I feel the same way, which is why I made the decision to turn in my badge after all these years. No more fighting fires for this old man. I want to enjoy what time the two of us have left in this world. And I want to do that together. I want to travel with you, laugh together, build a life. I hope that's what you want too."

  "That all sounds very nice to me, perfect, in fact," Carol replied with a smile. "But I have to disagree on one point. You are not an old man, by any means. We still have many years ahead of us, I hope, to make those dreams come true."

  The server arrived with the wine, interrupting their discussion. He opened it and poured a small amount in a glass. Chet did the customary swirling, sniffing, and tasting before giving his approval, and the server filled both glasses then left them alone.

  Chet held up his glass and said, "I'd like to make a toast."

  "All right," Carol said as she also raised hers.

  "To us, Carol and Chet, and to many years of wedded bliss."

  They clinked glasses and Carol nearly choked on her first sip. "Did you just say what I think you said?" she asked.

  "I believe I did," he replied, setting his glass down and taking a small box from his pocket. "I'm afraid I won't be getting down on one knee to do this, but I'll try to make it as romantic as possible. Carol Daniels, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He opened the box to reveal a perfect solitaire diamond set in rose gold.

  Carol gasped, speechless for probably the first time in her life. Finally, she replied, "Oh, Chet, it's gorgeous. I-I don't know what to say. I wasn't expecting…yes, Chet, oh, yes, I will marry you."

  He slid the ring on her finger and asked curiously, "When I told you this was going to be a special dinner, what did you expect, if not this?"

  Carol held the ring up to the light and admired the way it sparkled on her finger. Some of the other patrons noticed and began to clap, offering congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

  Chet grinned and nodded, while Carol thanked them.

  The server then brought salads to the table and when he saw the commotion, he, too, congratulated them. Soon, he brought a bottle of champagne to the table and said, "Compliments of the staff."

  Chet and Carol both thanked him. Finally, when things were quiet again, he reminded her that she hadn't answered his question.

  "I-I don't know what I thought," she said, not about to tell him what had really been on her mind, that she'd thought it would be their first time to make love.

  He got a devilish look in his eye and replied, "I think I do know, and that can be arranged too."

  She blushed. "Chet!"

  "I know how you think, my dear. I've known you for a long time. And not to put too fine a point on things, Greg was a good friend." He shrugged. "Guys talk." Chet stopped to take a sip of wine and cleared his throat. "You weren't exactly expecting me to take the plunge, at least not yet. But, why wait? Yes, we can enter into the next phase of our relationship, but why not have it all? I want you, it's true, but not just in my bed. I want you in my life, in a house we share together, starting a new chapter."

  "So many things to think about—a wedding, and where will we live?"

  "And we'll deal with all those things together, but for tonight, it's all about you and me. Now, let's eat our salads and enjoy this champagne before the main course arrives. I don't know about you, but I don't intend to spend all night in this restaurant staring at you from across the table. I want to hold you in my arms."

  "Yes, let's eat. Then we can go to my house, for dessert," she agreed mischievously.

  "Sounds like a plan to me."

  After that, they carried on a pleasant conversation while they enjoyed a fabulous meal. Chet's coworkers had been right in saying the food was good.

  "I think this will be our place to come for all special occasions from now on," Chet said when they finished.

  "I agree; it will be our place."

  He held up his glass of champagne and said, "To new memories."

  Carol clinked her glass to his and agreed, "To new memories."

  After paying the check, he stood and walked around to pull her chair out for her. Then, the two of them walked to the car, arm in arm. On the drive back to the home she'd shared with Greg, Carol thought to herself, Greg, Angie, I know you are both looking down at us and smiling that we've found each other.

  Chet voiced the same thought when he pulled into her driveway. "I know they are happy for us."

  "Yes, I know that too," she said.

  He walked around to help her out of the car, and they made their way to her porch. He leaned in and grazed his lips over hers before she took out her key and unlocked the door, opening it to a new life.

  Once inside, she kicked off her shoes and set her clutch on the foyer table. He took her jacket and hung it on a hook then removed his own.

  "Let's go into the living room. I'll make a pot of coffee if you'd like," she offered, sensing that he was as nervous as she about the step they were about to take.

  "Decaf for me if you have it," he replied as he took a seat on the couch.

  "Sure, I'll just be a minute." Carol went into the kitchen to start the coffee, trying to keep herself busy. She got out a tray, placed two mugs, cream, sugar and spoons on it and waited for the brewing to finish. She filled the two mugs and carried the tray into the living room where Chet had removed his shoes and was flipping through the channels on the TV.

 
"Here we go. I brought the sugar because I know you like it in your coffee," she said as she set the tray on the coffee table and joined him on the couch. "Soooo. We're watching TV?"

  "Not really, just thought I'd catch the news while I was waiting."

  "Any more news on those fires?" she asked.

  Chet frowned and shook his head, suddenly the chief again. "No, things seem calm for now. It's a mystery, though, how no one can figure out what's really going on. We've got our best investigators working around the clock."

  "Jessica has been trying to find out more information." Carol edged a little closer to Chet and sighed as he put an arm around her. This feels so normal, being here with him like this. We fit together so well here. Will we fit together in bed too?

  "Yes, and maybe she will. I know she's done a lot of research and interviewed some folks. But enough about that." Chet flipped off the remote and turned to her.

  "Better have your coffee before it gets cold," she said. She gave a soft giggle as she turned her face to his, blushing. "I feel like a teenager on her first date again. You've made quite an impression on me, Chief Henderson."

  "I feel the same way. I'll get to the coffee, but first, this," he said as he took her chin in one hand and tilted her face up to his. "Don't be nervous, love. It's going to be fine." Then he kissed her, starting out gently and gradually becoming more passionate.

  When he finally released her, she sighed. "Much better than the kisses I remember as a teenager." She poured some creamer into her mug and stirred it.

  He added sugar to his and they sat there together, drinking the hot brew while sneaking little touches. Things were heating up slowly, and for that, Carol was glad. It was a big step, making love to someone other than Greg after all these years. Would it be good? Would she please Chet? Would they compare each other to their late spouses?

  She shook her head, trying to rid her mind of the questions that plagued her. She had to forget all that and just enjoy. She wanted to enjoy what she and Chet had together and embrace the new intimacy.