Loren colored softly as she remembered their previous night. She had been so willing. "I know, Reid. It's always been—"
His large warm hand slid around her neck, nestling in her thick hair. "I like to think it's always been mutual between us, Loren. From the first—"
"It has, oh, Reid, Reid ..." Loren agreed huskily before his lips crushed hers. As his mustache brushed her lips, his stubble of a beard scraped her tender face. But Loren didn't care. One touch, one kiss, and both she and Reid knew she would be his for the night. And he would be hers, forever.
"I'll see you tonight," he promised when he finally lifted his head.
"Reid." She grasped his arm. "Mark and I are going to that dinner tomorrow night. Together. But I'll call and set it up so that will be on the list to attend. Several members of the Interior will be there. The contacts may be beneficial to your lobbying cause.
"Thank you, Loren. Are you sure we can't arrange something for you and me?"
She pressed her lips together and shook her head firmly. "Mark and I are going together, and I can't cancel that."
"Can't lie again?" His eyes scanned her smooth hair, then settled on her blue eyes. There was a hint of amusement in his. "Just don't bring him home with you."
Her alarmed eyes met his dark, brooding ones. He winked and was gone. As Reid strode out to his car, a million thoughts swarmed in her head. Predominant was the notion that he was perhaps a dream, a figment of her imagination. And that her dreams had finally come true.
Loren turned around to face the wrath of a cat who had been ignored far too long. “Come here, Angel baby,” she cooed and stooped down to pet her. But Angel turned and walked away, her tail high and the tip flicking.
With surprisingly little effort Loren convinced Mark that she was too ill to spend the evening with him. It left her with an uneasy feeling. Perhaps she was getting too good at lying. She was filled with guilt; that is, until she saw Reid again. Then she forgot everyone. She didn't care how she managed to see him, just so she did.
When Reid arrived on her doorstep with two huge bags of groceries, she laughingly stepped aside. "What's all this? Are you staying a week?"
He smiled wickedly. "Might."
"Oh, no, you're not." She followed him into the kitchen. Reid's jeans hugged his slim hips and muscular thighs. His casual cream-colored linen shirt was devastatingly open at the neck. He placed the grocery bags on the kitchen cabinet, then turned to drink in Loren's appearance.
Loren wore sporty white linen slacks and a navy pullover. One look at her happy smile, and they both knew she hadn't stewed for long over her lies to Mark. Their eyes met magnetically, agreeing silently. In another moment Reid had cleared the space between them, gathering her into his strong arms, kissing her soft brown hair. She pressed her head against his chest, inhaling his masculine, leathery fragrance, stirred by the throbbing of his heart against hers.
"We're just beginning, baby. I promise," he murmured earnestly against her ear. And she believed it, because she wanted to. Oh, how she wanted to believe his promises.
They spent the evening cooking and laughing together, just like old times. They shared the meal and a bottle of wine. They talked about wonderful memories and what the six-year separation had wrought in their lives. But they didn't mention the future. It was too nebulous, scary. It was something neither wanted to face right now. The present was marvelous together. Together, at last.
At the end of the evening, Loren didn't have the will, the desire, to ask Reid to leave. And so he didn't.
Another night to close the door on Angel. She did not like this man and how much time her was taking of her person.
The following night, Reid paced the shiny Italian-tiled floor and searched through the guests for a certain someone. A full-bosomed black-and-white-attired server stopped before him with her tray, offering another tall gin and tonic. Without hesitation he replaced his empty glass and took the full one. He was obviously preoccupied and ignored the shapely young woman. With a petulant pout, she sought admiration elsewhere.
Reid tore his brooding eyes away from the door and gazed over the crowd. They were gathered in small groups, drinks in hand, politely discussing politics. What else? They were a staid-looking bunch, each and every one thinking his or her job was absolutely crucial to the total system. Everyone in government believed that. Everyone in the whole damn city of Washington, D.C., was vitally important. Or so they thought.
Considerately arriving on time, Reid had introduced himself to Packston George, the host of this intimate little affair. Pac was independently wealthy, owning homes in L.A. and Miami. If they were comparable to this marble and tile edifice in Washington's fashionable suburb, they would more suitably be called mansions. He was the newly appointed Deputy Chief of the Interior and God knows what he knew about the Interior's problems. Ah, such was politics. Obviously Pac neither knew nor cared about Arizona's water problems. Reid had his work cut out for him and it would be an uphill battle.
His dark eyes again cased the columned entranceway. Where is she? Loren was coming tonight with Mark. She had made that perfectly clear, and Reid had reluctantly agreed. What else could he do? Now they were half an hour late for cocktails. Where in hell were they? What were they doing? Inwardly he groaned at the thoughts that tormented his imagination.
Reid wanted her here—and he didn't. He knew he would be jealous as hell to see her with another man. And yet, he, himself, had no claims on her. Deep inside, Reid admitted that these last two days and nights with her had been sweet heaven, after a long and wicked hell. It was like blessed ecstasy after a prolonged abstinence. A six-year abstinence from Loren. And he found that he cared for her much more than he had ever dared to admit.
A small commotion snapped Reid's attention to the doorway. An attractive, well-dressed couple was visible through the columns, and his heart pounded with the recognition. There she was. Loren. Smiling, shaking hands, leaning on her escort's arm. Not so close, damn it!
Loren stepped down the few steps into the room. Tiny pearls of light graced her ears, matching the long, creamy strand that draped between her breasts. Her dress was black and very chic. It was apparent that she belonged in this elite setting. Reid stared dumbly at her, as if he hadn't seen her in years, hadn't held her close only a few hours ago, hadn't loved her throughout the last two passion filled nights.
She smiled graciously and extended her hand. "Reid. How delightful. I want you to meet Mark Manning."
What an actress. Thank God she didn't introduce Mark as "my fiancé." Her voice trailed into his range. ". . . my old friend, Reid Mecina. Reid's from Arizona and is here lobbying for the new water bill before Congress." She stepped closer to Mark.
Reluctantly Reid's hand moved from hers to a mannerly handshake with the rather tall man beside her. God! It was hard to do! He wanted the hand to be a fist—jammed right into Mark's solar plexis. How dare he touch her "Nice to meet you, Mark." Reid forced a smile. This evening he would have to be a pretty good actor himself. He didn't dare let his loving gaze rest on Loren. Instead, he eyed the man by her side.
Mark Manning was tall, brown-haired, and dynamic. He had a strong handshake and kept his left arm possessively around Loren's waist. Reid hated him instantly.
"My pleasure, Reid. Are you related to the Senator Mecina from Arizona who was in Washington a few years ago?"
Reid nodded. "My father."
Loren smiled encouragingly. "The senator is in poor health now, Mark. He lives on the ranch back in Arizona."
"Sorry to hear about your father, Reid. What part of Arizona?" Mark exhibited mild attention as he accepted a martini from the buxom maid's tray.
"Southern Arizona. Near Tucson," Reid answered, taking another gin and tonic. Briefly his eyes grazed over Loren. She was absolutely gorgeous in her slinky black dress, with that low-cut neckline.
Mark responded with growing interest. "I know that area well. IBM, Learjet, Raytheon, and the University of Arizona.
Tucson is a growing city. Lots of potential there, I understand."
Reid raised his eyebrows. Maybe the man was actually familiar with the area. "I'm surprised you're so informed, Mark. Most people think that all Arizona has to offer is the Grand Canyon."
"I make it my business to know, especially the sun belt cities. I'm impressed with Arizona's utilization of resources. There’s solar and wind power in your future."
Reid smiled grimly. "The potential and future of southern Arizona is in direct relation to our need for an adequate water supply."
"Couldn't agree with you more, Reid. I'll be glad to help you with this water bill all I can. I know a couple of people who will be invaluable to you."
Reid gestured with his glass and muttered, "I've met Pac here."
Mark chuckled. "No, not this group. These are the figureheads. I know the behind-the-scenes guys. They're the ones you need."
Reid nodded knowingly. "I would appreciate any assistance I could get. I represent over three hundred businesses and ranchers in Arizona. Our economy is dependent on this bill."
"It's your economy I'm most interested in, Reid. In fact, I have a small investment in a mining company south of Tucson. It's been suffering drastically the last few years, and I'd like to see some profits someday," Mark admitted.
Loren looked curiously at him. "I didn't realize you had stock in a mine there, Mark."
He turned to her impatiently. "Of course, darling. Don't you remember last year when I went out there for a week?"
She studied for a moment, trying to recall. "I don't—"
"You were probably in the middle of a stubborn case, darling, and don't remember," Mark offered in a slightly condescending tone. Then, turning to Reid, he explained, "Sometimes Loren gets so wrapped up in those damned women's cases, she doesn't know what the rest of the world is doing."
"Oh, really?" Reid cast Loren a curious glance. Actually he was heartened to know that Mark could be gone from Loren for an entire week, and she hadn't even missed him.
"Back to Arizona's water problems, Reid ..."
Reid listened politely, but inside he was smiling. And the singular dimple revealed itself daringly to Loren for the first time that evening. Taking a deep drink, he seemed to relax somewhat. "I can't guarantee that the passage of this water bill will increase the profits in your copper mine, Mark. But without it I can assure you that the mines—as well as all of us—will eventually fold."
"It's that important?" Mark's eyes narrowed as he assessed Reid's words.
"Absolutely," Reid asserted.
"I'd like you to meet my business partner, Reid. How about lunch tomorrow?"
"Sure," Reid agreed. Much to his chagrin, Reid was finding that Mark had the personal interest and connections with the right people to be of more help on the proposed water bill than anyone in the room. Worse yet, he was willing to help.
Mark spotted an acquaintance across the room. "Would you excuse me for a few minutes, please, Reid, Loren? I've got to see Sam about a case."
"Certainly, darling," Loren murmured with obvious relief in her eyes.
"Tell me about your law practice, Loren," Reid requested loudly as Mark left them alone. Then, steering her aside, his eyes traveled curiously down her bare back. "Nice dress. How is that thing attached?" he murmured closely.
"Rude." Loren fussed teasingly.
He shrugged with a grin. "You are beautiful in that dress. But I'm somewhat jealous when someone else eyes your spine. Where the hell have you been? I waited here over thirty minutes for you." Intense jealousy gnawed at him whenever he thought of her alone with Mark.
"Sorry, Reid. I hope you didn't feel too awkward. The car stalled on the way, and we had to leave it and call a cab."
"A likely story," Reid said in a muffled voice.
"Reid, you're awfully paranoid lately. What's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing. I just love to see the lady I spend my nights with on the arm of another man."
"Now, Reid, you knew—"
"I know, I know. I'm the intruder here."
Loren sighed. "Reid, please. Don't make things more difficult than they already are."
"The only way I can avoid that is to leave town. And, now that I'm here, and have you in my arms again, I won't give up so easily."
"Reid—" Her blue eyes implored a warning.
He turned casually. "Oh, hello there, Mark. Loren was just telling me about her interesting practice."
Mark barely acknowledged the statement. Instead, a worried frown creased his brow. "I'm concerned about leaving the car for too long, Loren. That's not the best part of town, you know."
Smoothly Reid said, "Loren mentioned car trouble. It's not a good idea to leave a car unattended at night in D.C. Not if you value it."
Mark agreed. "The more I think about it, the more worried I am."
"Tell you what, Mark. You call a tow truck and I'll drop you off so you can accompany your car to the station. And you won't have to worry about Loren. I'll be happy to see her home," Reid offered with genuine enthusiasm.
"Oh, I couldn't ask you—" Mark started to object.
Reid held his hand up. "Think nothing of it. It's the least I can do. Give me your card, and I'll call your office in the morning. We'll set up lunch."
Loren's large blue-violet eyes moved from Mark to Reid's dark, assured countenance. Well, he'd seen to it that she wouldn't be bringing Mark home tonight. Of course, she wouldn't anyway. But now she and Reid would have another night. Another love filled night.
Chapter Six
"Loren, I have to see you. My God, but you're elusive. Do you realize it's been almost a week?"
Did she realize? Loren's heartbeat increased at the sound of Reid's strong voice and she gripped the phone tightly. She had purposely kept herself occupied and unavailable during the week, thinking that throwing herself into her work would force him off her mind. Wrong. "Hi, Reid, how have you been?"
"Damned busy. And you?"
"The same. How's your job going?"
"Great, thanks to Mark. We've met with his law partner and several other key people this week. It's all preliminary, of course. But we'll be working on a proposal and a little ad campaign. Some of these people have very clever ideas."
"Good. I'm glad you're heading in the right direction."
"Mark has seen to that. And, Loren . . ." He hesitated.
"Yes?"
"He's, uh, Mark's a nice guy."
She smiled. "I'm glad you approve. Feeling guilty?"
Reid's answer boomed confidently. "I'm not saying I approve of your relationship with him. And, hell, no, I don't feel guilty. I want to see you. Now. This weekend at the very latest."
Loren laughed, loving the sound of his jealous voice. Loving him. "I have a late appointment Friday night and plans for dinner with Mark on Saturday."
He paused and she could hear his labored breathing. "Okay, I'll see you Sunday. There is a reception I must attend, and I'd like you to go with me."
She sighed. "Oh, Reid, you know how I feel about receptions."
"This one's special, Loren. Congress has approved Navajo Code Talkers Day to honor the Indians' contributions during World War II."
"Navajo Code Talkers Day? You've got to be kidding." She started to laugh.
The tone of his voice halted her. "No, Loren. I'm very serious. The Navajos devised a complex communications system that was never broken. They served in every combat arena in the Pacific, yet received very little recognition."
"Why is the government just now getting around to honoring them?"
"Beats the hell out of me. In all fairness, there have been award ceremonies for the Code Talkers in the past. But ceremonies that revere the dead or recall the horrors of war are not the Navajo way. This time it's in Washington. It will be special and the survivors will be invited and flown in. Please come with me, Loren. I think you'll find it interesting. I'd like you to meet some of my friends from Arizona.”
"This is important
to you, isn't it?" she asked quietly.
"Very."
"Well, Reid ..." She hesitated, and his enthusiasm swept her along.
"I knew you'd come, Loren. And you won't regret it. I'll pick you up about noon, Sunday."
"Noon? What time is the reception?"
"It's at three. But I want to see you, talk to you, spend some time with you."
"Okay." She laughed, anticipation already building inside her. Could she wait the two days until she saw him, touched him again?
Loren hung the phone up and sighed heavily. Her violet eyes stared pensively down the brown cobblestone street, remembering the times they had walked to the wharf and along the Potomac. Those had been carefree days when neither had worried about the future.
Now she was older and wiser and very aware of the pain this unfulfilled love could bring. Her predicament had weighed very heavily in her mind this week, and Loren had kept to herself. She had been too busy to see Mark, and felt the need to pull back from her intensity with Reid. She knew she was plunging down a never-ending tunnel of involvement with Reid again. Try as she might, she couldn't help herself. And yet she couldn't help being wary of this renewed relationship with him. It had meant heartache before. It would again.
There had been so many years since they had shared their love, both of them had changed. It was inevitable. And now, they—she—needed time and space to explore those changes. They needed to get to know each other again, to decide which direction they wanted to go. Right now Loren wasn't even sure. She was positive of only one thing. She still loved him, after all these years. And it scared her.
In her mind the solutions to their love weren't easy. First, if she gave in to her love, would she just be setting herself up for pain and grief again? Would Reid leave again? Deep inside, even now, she knew the answer. He was in Washington for a limited time, lobbying for a bill that would be voted on in a month or so. Then he would be gone. Reid's major responsibilities lay a world away from the nation's capital.
A Lasting Love Page 7