East of the Sun, West of the Moon

by Carole Bellacera

  Leigh stiffened at his closeness. “Bob, don't play games with me."

  "I'm not.” He tried to look innocent, but failed. As he leaned toward her, Leigh caught a whiff of liquor, and she was sure it wasn't from the champagne he'd just consumed. Now that she looked at him closely, she saw his eyes were bleary as if he'd been drinking for hours. That was unusual; Bob had never been much of a drinker, even at parties; he was always too involved in buttering up his constituents. Leigh decided not to mention it. With any luck, he wouldn't stay long. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about Melissa."

  "What about her? I was wondering why I hadn't heard from her today. I thought she'd at least call on my birthday."

  Bob shrugged. “Oh, she's probably too busy. That girl's social calendar must rival Princess Di's. She's never at home anymore. Always out with some boy. Every week, it's a new one."

  "That doesn't sound good. Why so many different ones?"

  "How am I supposed to know? I thought maybe you could talk to her."

  Leigh sighed. “I'd love to. Only problem is ... she's not exactly buddy-buddy with me these days. But I guess I should consider myself lucky that she talks to me at all.” She regretted the words as soon as she'd uttered them. Bob would have a field-day with the remark. Incredibly though, he just shrugged and drained his flute of champagne. Leigh felt her stomach tense. He was really worried about Melissa! “What, exactly, do you think is going on with her, Bob?"

  His answer was abrupt. “I think she's screwing them. All of them."

  Leigh was shocked. “No way. Melissa isn't like that."

  "She's changed, Leigh. Almost over-night since she found out about you and that Norwegian."

  "Oh, so now it's my fault our daughter is sleeping around?” Leigh stood up. “First of all, I don't believe Mel is doing it. And secondly, why would our divorce drive her to that? Bob, I think you'd better go home and sleep it off. You're going to have one hell of a hangover tomorrow."

  He stood up, smiling lazily. “Well, like they say, like mother, like daughter."

  Fury coursed through Leigh's veins. “I've had it up to here with your vulgar digs. Yes, I behaved less than honorably while we were married, only because someone came into my life who treated me like a person, not a ... a decorative object or a live-in housekeeper. But I paid for that weakness with the loss of my kids. I'm only now beginning to win back Melissa and Aaron. Mark still won't have anything to do with me. And I wonder why? Because you're constantly belittling me? You won't let him forget, will you, Bob?” She stopped and tried to regain control of her temper. When she spoke again, her voice was icy. “You should count yourself lucky I'm not so vindictive that I'd tell the kids the truth about you and your little A.A."

  His face whitened. “What the hell are you talking about?"

  Leigh gazed at him, a smile of satisfaction on her lips. If she'd ever had doubts before, she had none now. His expression was proof enough she'd been right all along. She stood and faced him.

  "I know about you and Rebecca D'Andrade. I'll bet you didn't have any trouble getting it up with her, did you? I don't know how long you were screwing her during our marriage, and I don't care anymore. But I'm not going to stand here and watch you play the innocent wronged husband another second. The curtain is down, Bob. Why don't you take your bows and get the hell out of here!"

  It was amazing how fast he recovered. The color had returned to his face, along with a sardonic smile. “Not quite yet. It's over with Becky. Senator Osborne made her an offer she couldn't resist, and she moved on. And babe, I'm a lonely man.” Deliberately, he moved against her. “If you give out to every Norwegian you meet, why not me? After all, it's not as if we're strangers.” His hands tightened on her arms and he wrenched her to him. Leigh twisted out of his grasp and slapped him hard.

  It was the last thing she remembered. A moment later, she lay prone on the floor, a crushing pain in her jaw and a red curtain in front of her eyes. Then, through ringing ears, she heard his disdainful voice.

  "You slut."

  Chapter 25

  With a brisk stride, Leigh walked through the entrance of the Rayburn Building, placed her purse on the conveyer belt of the X ray machine and passed through the metal detector. Grabbing her purse, she strode to the elevators and pushed the button. On the fourth floor, she stepped out and swept down the hallway, passing one massive wooden door after another, each emblazoned with a state seal. Indiana. Georgia. Texas. And finally, Ohio. She went in.

  An attractive blond receptionist looked up and smiled. “May I help you?"

  Ignoring her, Leigh headed for Bob's office.

  "Wait a minute, miss. The congressman is in a me—"

  She opened the door and walked in.

  Bob sat at his desk in front of a huge window looking out onto the Capitol Building, a phone to his ear. Leigh stared at him. He looked up and lifted a finger indicating he'd be only a moment, looking all the world as if her appearance in his office wasn't a bit out of the ordinary. Disgust welled in her. It was as if nothing had ever happened. As if he were an ordinary decent human being instead of a contemptible piece of shit.

  "Of course, Mr. Dole,” he said meekly. “I'll get right on it. Thank you, sir. Goodbye."

  The receptionist appeared behind Leigh's shoulder. “Congressman, I'm sorry. She just..."

  "It's okay, Susie."

  Deliberately, Leigh closed the door in the pretty blonde's face, wondering if she was Rebecca's successor.

  Bob stood up and moved toward her, his face a mask of concern. “What can I do for you, Leigh?"

  "Cut the crap,” she said icily. “I have just one thing to say to you. I don't want you to ever come near me again. The only time I ever want to see your face is when I come to pick up Melissa and Aaron.” Catching herself, she stopped. “No. Not even then. Just make yourself scarce when I come over. And remember this, if you ever touch me again, I'll have you arrested for assault and battery."

  "Leigh.” Bob put on an innocent face. “What are you talking about? Assault? Look, I don't know what happened the other night when I came over. I'd had one too many and my memory is a little dim."

  "Liar,” Leigh said. “You know exactly what happened. And you should count yourself lucky I didn't call the cops on you then. Or better yet, The Washington Post.” She had the satisfaction of seeing his eyes pop in genuine alarm. “What do you think that would've done to your pristine reputation on the Hill? You'd better take me serious on this. There won't be any more warnings."

  He moved toward her. “Come on, babe. I tell you, I was drunk! I didn't mean to hurt you.” He reached out a hand to touch her bruised jaw.

  She flinched. “Don't!"

  Bob's hand fell to his side. “Okay. Just let me tell you why I really came over Friday night.” His brown eyes pleaded with her. “This kills me to admit it, babe, but I want you back. I'm ready to forgive you for what you did to me.” He took a deep breath and went on, “And you have to forgive me, too. About Becky. I swear, she didn't mean a thing to me. You're the only woman I've ever loved. Come home, Leigh. The kids need you, and so do I. We'll be a real family this time."

  Leigh stared at him, disgust rising in her throat like bile. “You revolt me,” she said. “And you have for a long time. Even before Erik entered the picture."

  She whirled around and left his office, walking past the mystified secretary. Knut was waiting in the reception room.

  "I know you told me to wait outside, but I couldn't. I was afraid for you.” His fingers brushed the dark bruise on her jaw. “Are you okay?"

  She nodded. “A-okay."

  "I still wish you'd let me take him apart!” His eyes blazed into hers.

  "I took care of it,” she said. “If he touches me again, I'll have his sorry ass in jail so fast, he won't know what hit him."

  * * * *

  That evening when Knut picked her up at work, he didn't mention Bob again. Leigh knew he was still furious, but he understood she'd ha
d to handle the situation herself. It was just another example of his sensitivity. Leigh gazed at his strong hands upon the steering wheel, feeling thankful that such a good man had entered her life.

  When they arrived at her apartment, she took off her jacket and threw it on a chair. “I'm exhausted.” She dropped to the sofa and stretched out her legs. “What do you want to do about dinner?"

  "I'm not hungry. Are you?"

  She looked at him. That was odd; usually, Knut couldn't wait to eat. “Not particularly,” she said. Her stomach had been tied in knots ever since she'd seen Bob that morning.

  "Good. We'll get something later. Meanwhile, I'll get you a drink. How about Scotch?"

  Leigh closed her eyes. “Mmmm ... sounds good."

  It seemed like only a second later that Knut was at her side holding a glass of the amber-colored liquor. “Here. Drink this. It'll warm you up."

  She sat up and took a sip. “Probably not a good idea on an empty stomach, is it?"

  Knut's eyes were warm. “Just one won't hurt you. You've had a rough day."

  After another sip, she placed the glass on the end table. “I think that's enough for now."

  Knut's finger touched her bruised jaw gently. “Hurt much?"

  She shook her head. “Just a little tender."

  "The bastard. Is this why you left him? Did he beat you?"

  "No. This was the first time he ever hit me. Knut...” Leigh adjusted herself on the sofa so she was facing him. “I think you should know the truth about my marriage. It wasn't entirely Bob's fault. True, I found out there was another woman ... but that really had nothing to do with what I did. You see,” she hesitated. How would he take this? “I was unfaithful, too. It wasn't something I planned. And it wasn't something sleazy. I loved him.” Loved. She'd used the past tense. Why? Didn't she still love him? “Anyway, Bob has a lot of anger inside him."

  "It doesn't matter what you did,” Knut said. “He has no right to hit you. And if he ever does again, he'll have to answer to me.” His hand squeezed hers. “Leigh, about this other man. Is he out of your life now?"

  Leigh nodded. “Yes."

  "It's the man in Norway, isn't it?"

  "Yeah."

  "Look, Leigh. I don't want to know what happened with him. But there's one thing I do know. He was a fool to let you go.” His large hands moved to cradle her face. “But I'm glad he did.” He leaned toward her and kissed her. Slowly and gently, but thoroughly. His mouth tasted of brandy and tobacco. The warmth of the liquor in her veins combined with the languorous fire his touch aroused in her, and she moaned softly when she felt his fingers unbuttoning her blouse. How was it possible she could feel this physical need for Knut when her heart was still bound to Erik?

  She slid her hands under his sweater. “Oh, Knut...” she murmured, kissing his jaw softly.

  He covered her mouth with his own in another deep, insistent kiss. His hand slipped inside her blouse to cup the molded lace covering her right breast. Her fingernails dug into his shoulders as her desire intensified. Suddenly he wrenched away from her. She stared at him in surprise. He ran his hand through his rumpled hair and gazed back, his eyes slightly dilated behind his tortoise-shelled glasses.

  "I have to go,” he said.

  Dumbfounded, Leigh stared at him. What had she done?

  "I'm sorry,” he murmured. “I just have to think.” He stood up and gazed down at her a moment, his face implacable. Leigh opened her mouth to speak, but before she could force out a strangled “why,” he turned and left her apartment.

  Leigh heard the door close with a soft thud. She sat on the sofa stiffly, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Had she said something to offend him? Had she ... oh, God ... had she whispered Erik's name in the heat of the moment?

  * * * *

  An hour later, Knut still hadn't returned, and Leigh realized he probably wouldn't. He might never come back. But why? She was still as puzzled as before. Her mind raced in circles. Why, why? Exhausted, mentally and physically, Leigh decided to take a hot bath and go to bed. Perhaps tomorrow she could think more clearly.

  The knock came at the door just after she'd stepped out of the bath and drawn on her red satin kimono. Her heart jumped. She walked slowly to the foyer and looked through the peep-hole. It was Knut.

  She opened the door, but didn't speak. He was silent, too. They stared at each other. Finally, he said, “May I come in?"

  When she nodded, he walked past her and then stood stiffly as if he didn't know what to do with himself. He took a deep breath. “I want you,” he said quietly.

  Leigh opened her mouth to respond sarcastically to that statement, but something in his eyes stopped her. He went on, “But before we have any kind of physical relationship, I have to know you're not using me as a substitute for him."

  Was she? Leigh wasn't sure how to answer. Perhaps in the beginning, when she'd first started seeing him, he'd reminded her of Erik. But now? She realized that until tonight she hadn't thought of Erik in weeks. Not like before. She remembered those empty nights she'd lain awake in bed, longing for him. But lately, her thoughts had been for Knut.

  Leigh moved toward him. “Knut, I care for you. Maybe I even love you. But if you're asking for guarantees, I can't give you any. I've learned the hard way there is no such thing in a relationship.” She stood a few inches away from him and gazed into his eyes. “As far as Erik is concerned ... he's out of my life, and I've accepted that. Do you think you can?"

  Slowly, Knut nodded. Leigh moved closer to him, and reaching up, took his glasses off, folded them and put them onto the end table. Then, very slowly, she slid a hand up behind his neck and drew his head down to hers. His lips moved tentatively on hers, but slowly grew insistent and demanding. His hands slid down the satin fabric of her kimono to cup her buttocks. He groaned deep in his throat and dragged his mouth away from hers. Quickly, he untied the belt of her robe; it fell open to reveal her damp, nude body. “Kristus!” he whispered, “...dromme kvinner ... you're a dream woman ... too good to be believed."

  "Believe it,” Leigh whispered as they sank to the floor in front of the fireplace.

  * * * *

  After their love-making, Leigh turned on her side to gaze at Knut's drowsing face in the flicker of the firelight. He was a beautiful man. Too good for her, really. Because even though she'd enjoyed the love-making, she felt as if she hadn't been able to give him all she could have. All he deserved. Somehow, despite her feelings for him, she hadn't been able to give him her heart. He had made love to her with warmth and gentleness ... almost as if she were a fragile doll or the dream woman he'd called her. It had been nice, and even satisfying. But with Erik, it had been fireworks. A tear glistened in the corner of her eye as she gazed at Knut. Her body still called out for Erik and the fireworks.

  He moved suddenly in his sleep and reached out for her. “Kjareste...” he murmured.

  A wave of pain washed over her. Right endearment, wrong voice. That had been Erik's special word for her. She didn't want to hear Knut call her sweetheart in Norwegian. But how could she stop him?

  "I'm here,” she whispered.

  Slowly, his eyes opened and he blinked sleepily. One hand moved tenderly up her shoulder. “I love you,” he said. “Will you marry me?"

  * * * *

  Melissa was finally going to meet Knut. She was coming into Georgetown for the weekend and Leigh had planned a special dinner for the three of them. Ward had given her Friday afternoon off so she could get the apartment in shape and bake homemade bread. At five-thirty, everything was ready. The Queen Anne tables sparkled in the lamp-light and the scent of lemon polish mingled with the aroma of hickory-smoked ham and fresh bread from the kitchen. Mel and Knut were both due to arrive any second.

  Leigh climbed the steps to the loft bedroom and pulled back the blue floral Laura Ashley draperies so she could look out onto M Street. Where were they? She wished she weren't so nervous. It was silly, this anxiety she felt. After all,
surely Mel knew she wouldn't stay unattached forever. Yet, it would be obvious to her that there was more going on between she and Knut than an occasional date. Would she accept it? It would be so much simpler if she could tell Melissa they were going to get married. But right now, that was impossible.

  Leigh had been stunned by Knut's proposal, but then she'd attributed it to his heightened state of emotion. Yet, the next morning, clear-headed from rich black coffee, he'd asked her again. Politely, but firmly, Leigh had refused. He was moving too fast. She wasn't ready for marriage again. There was a very good possibility she would never be. He hadn't pressed the issue. In fact, hadn't brought it up again. They'd gone on as before, except now he spent every weekend at her apartment. Many times, Leigh thought of asking him to move in, but she always stopped herself, unsure of such a big step. It was easier to float, just to let the decision slide.

  Peering through the window, she saw Melissa ambling down the sidewalk. The brisk wind whipped her long blond hair around her face as she walked, one hand shoved deep into the pocket of her spring jacket and the other carrying an overnight case. Suddenly Leigh's throat tightened. Melissa seemed so confident, almost cocky, as she strode down the sidewalk, yet, there was also a sense of vulnerability about her. She was a child in a teen girl's body, and Leigh felt an overwhelming need to protect her. Things were progressing with her, but not at the speed Leigh had hoped for. Mel visited occasionally, and when she did, she chatted about school and friends, but kept a part of herself hidden behind a flippant, detached wall. Leigh knew better than to try to tear it down; this was Melissa's way of dealing with the hurt and sense of betrayal she still felt. But it didn't make it easy for Leigh when all she wanted to do was draw the teenager into her arms and hold her like she had when Mel was a little girl in need of comfort.

  So when she met Melissa at the front door, Leigh had to force herself not to reach out and hug her. Instead, she summoned a big smile and opened the door wide. “Well, hi. I was starting to get worried."

  Melissa threw her an odd look. “Why? I know how to get around."