He pulled her up, his eyes almost black with desire, his breathing ragged. He choked back words he shouldn’t and wouldn’t say.
“You’re right of course, Lexy. I want to see you again. I need to see you again.”
Jack felt an almost helpless passion overwhelming him. His body was an inferno. A skinny dip in the Arctic Ocean would feel great about now.
“Yes, Jack. I’d like that.”
Lexy closed her eyes, leaning back against the cool leather. It would never do, to have him see the lust in her eyes, to feel the flames in her soul.
The airport came into view. Jack walked her to the departure entrance. He put his arms around her waist.
“It’s not good bye, but, adieu, until we meet again, Lexy. I’ll be busy these next couple of weeks so if you don’t hear from me right away, don’t worry. You’re still the greatest time I’ve ever had.”
He hugged her to him. Releasing her quickly, he turned and strode away, his slim, hard body moving easily through the crowd.
She watched helplessly as he disappeared around the corner, taking part of her very essence with him. Slowly she entered the walkway to board the plane. She wondered if she’d really see him again. Once he got back to his world, would her memory fade like the stars in the early morning light?
Maybe she should’ve let him take her, after all. But, no, he’d gone along with whatever she’d wanted. Thank God! Lexy knew she wasn’t ready yet. Hadn’t her reactions to his caresses proved that?
Finding her seat, she collapsed, closing her weary eyes. She didn’t want to see the lights of New York City disappear. Somehow she felt if she looked, he’d disappear along with them...forever.
Eventually, Lexy fell into a restless, dreamlike state. She only opened her eyes when she felt the plane land. The past two days already seemed like a dream. Picking up her small bag, she headed for the exit and a cold dash of realism.
Twenty-two
Lexy wasn’t particularly enthusiastic as she and April were having a cup of coffee in the large, but cozy kitchen in her best friend's home. It had been almost two weeks since she’d been with Jack. There had been no word from him.
She'd been as jumpy as a cat every time the phone had rung. Jessie and Ryan were starting to look at her strangely. Of course they had no idea what their mother had gotten herself into. What she’d gotten herself into was a classic case of love. She forced her thoughts to the present.
Jack had told her that he’d be busy, but she was sure that she wouldn’t be hearing from him at all now. Well, she could take it. This wasn’t the first time Lexy had been rejected, but it would certainly be the last. Lexy turned off all thoughts of him, giving her full attention to April, who had been talking to herself the last few minutes.
“We're leaving tomorrow for Vail to go skiing during the holidays. My children are meeting Steve and I out there. We'd rented a condo for the week, but they overbooked, so we were given rooms at the Sonnenalp. The hotel gave us extra space, so there is plenty of room for anyone else that wants to come.” She glanced sideways at Lexy.
“I can hardly wait to get there. We are leaving on Amtrak in the morning.” You know that you’re welcome to come with us, Lexy. There's plenty of room and I bet your kids would love it.”
April gave her a entreating look. She wasn’t about to let her best friend mire in self-pity. April had been through Lexy's divorce with her and this seemed almost worse. If that were possible.
“You know April, we may just do that. Yes, that sounds like a great idea.”
Lexy's eyes sparkled for the first time in a week. It made April’s heart glad to see that spark again.
“Great. We’ll pick you up tomorrow around 7:00 a.m. I’ll call Amtrak as soon as I get home. I know they’ll be able to squeeze you and the kids on. I don’t care if you have to sit on Steve’s lap. I’m sure your sister will be glad to see you too.”
That night when she arrived home with an armload of groceries, Lexy broke the news to Jessie. Ryan was still at basketball practice.
“I can’t wait Mom! It'll be so cool. Ryan might not be too happy to leave his friends though.”
Jessie chatted away excitedly as they took the rest of the groceries out of Ryan’s Jeep. Lexy had switched cars with him for the day knowing she would need his. He'd gladly taken his mom's old MG. It had been her dad's, the one legacy he'd been able to leave his daughter at his death.
Lexy's mind was a million (at least a couple of thousand) miles away. She wouldn’t wait for Jack. No, she would wait for no man ever again. What made me ever think a man like him would want a woman like me anyway? Mumbling to herself, she closed the door of the jeep. “Let’s get inside where it’s warm, honey. And I’m quite sure that your brother will want to go along. Besides, there'll be lots of kids his age out there to ski with. I’m not worried about him not wanting to go.” She smiled at her daughter. “Last one in has to cook dinner tonight.” Laughing, they headed for the house.
Sitting at the bar of his favorite hangout, Jack played with his glass while Chris was conversing with a young woman on the other side of him. He had thought of calling Lexy every day, but every time he'd picked up the receiver and dialed, the phone had somehow found its way back on the hook before one ring.
Face it, Wyatt. You’re afraid. Afraid that you’ll let her get too close. It’s better this way. No hassles. She's probably forgotten all about me by now anyway. A babe like that must have men begging for a date all the time. Lexy, Lexy....
Who was he kidding anyway? He knew Lexy cared about him. That first night they’d been together again in New York, she’d told him she loved him. He knew that she’d been embarrassed and shaken by her unleashed passion later. He’d not made it any easier.
Jack had one hell of a time keeping his hands off her that last day. He’d never experienced such passion and caring as he had with her. And they hadn’t even made love, that way.
He didn’t understand it. It perplexed him greatly that he couldn’t turn thoughts of her off. She was in his mind like a faucet, no, like a stream, no like a rapids. And who could turn off the torrent current of a rapids? He was attracted, no addicted to her smile, her dimple, her low sexy voice, her body, her soul. Going cold turkey was the only way to break an addiction. God help him, he couldn’t do it. She’d managed to do something no other woman had done. Get into his soul. Correction. Had never left his soul. Damn! He didn’t want her there, but he had to admit, it felt right. She felt right. Jack Wyatt was facing his most difficult situation yet. And he wasn’t sure he was prepared.
“Hello Jack. I haven’t seen you in a while.”
A lovely, slim blonde put her drink down next to his. He glanced at her briefly and then turned to Chris.
“I’m leaving. See you day after tomorrow.”
He flipped some cash on the bar. “Mike, give this lady whatever she wants.”
He walked out leaving three people speechless. He grabbed a taxi, directing the cabby to stop at Donna Karan’s Boutique. He glanced at his watch. It was nearly 7:00. He had some time. He sauntered into the shop. Looking around he spied the blue dress she’d liked.
“Can I help you sir?” A well manicured woman approached him.
“Yeah, that blue dress over there. Wrap it up!”
“What size would that be sir?”
“Size? Well, she’s about this size.” He gestured with his hands to the saleswoman.
“I see. A size 10 should do it. Will that be cash or charge?”
Five minutes later he walked out of the store, package in hand. He made a couple of other stops and went back to the hotel. Jack strode up to the young man behind the counter.
“Hello, Mr. Wyatt. Can I be off service?”
“As a matter of fact you can. What’s your name?”
“Mark, sir.”
“And stop calling me sir. You make me sound like a duke or somethin'. Could you look up the address of Ms. Kane? She was here a couple of weekends ago. I'd a
ppreciate it if you'd have these packages sent to her.”
“Ah, yes I remember Ms. Kane. Quite a charming lady as I remember.”
The concierge eyed Jack. This had been a rather interesting situation. Before Ms. Kane had entered the picture, there'd been a long line of ladies each time the band stayed at the hotel. Not more than one night, mind you. Mr. Wyatt was very much the loner, very seldom speaking to anyone. This was the most the young man had heard him talk.
“Yes, quite charming. Please have them sent right away. I’d like them to get there before Christmas. Put it on my bill.”
“Of course sir. I’ll see to it personally.”
“You do that...Mark.” Jack causally laid a fifty on the counter. The young man slipped it into his pocket as Jack walked away. Interesting indeed.
Jack stepped over to the elevator. He'd wait until she and the kids got their presents, then he’d call Christmas day. The dress would blow her away. And the things he had observed her fondling for the kids. He hoped that would be enough to break the ice, seeing as he hadn’t called.
Of course he had told her he probably wouldn’t, but he didn’t think she would really see it that way. As he stepped out of the elevator, a sudden feeling of dread came over him. She was a kind, gentle, beautiful woman. Other men must see all those qualities in her. She wouldn’t wait forever.
He put his key in the door and went straight to the phone. After four rings, her voice came over the wire.
“We're not at home right now. If it is important, please call 642-4444. Someone will reach me and I'll return your call. Thank you for calling.”
Click! He put the phone back in the cradle. Just the sound of her voice sent him into orbit. Where was she? He sat down on the bed and put his face in his hands, his dark eyes with a worried look in them. He’d been too cool. Geez! Was he stupid or what! What a damn fool he was! She was what he wanted and he had let her get away because of his foolish arrogance and stupid pride.
He got up, pacing the room, running his hands through the dark, thick hair that Lexy loved to touch. He halted abruptly.
“That’s it. Enough of this crap. It’s about time I got my shit together. I want this woman. No more screwing around. I’m going to get what I want and that’s that.” Jack was grumbling to himself as he went back to the phone, dialing her number again. This time, he took down the number on the recording. He hung up and dialed again.
Twenty-three
Jessie and Ryan had been on the slopes all day and were ready to go out again. Lexy had fallen one too many times. She rubbed her behind as she and April took a seat next to Steve in the lodge. April’s daughter Meg and son Jimmy, were coming in on the train later today.
“God, I ache all over. April, I may never forgive you for this. You brought me out here to torture me!”
April laughed that silver laugh of hers. “You did a wonderful job for not being on skis for several years. You’ll be all right kid. Just get right back out there tomorrow.”
“Easy for you to say, Mrs. Ski Expert!” Lexy grumbled under her breath. “My sister is expecting us for dinner around 8:00. I’m going to go take a shower and get ready. I’ll see you back there. Snag the kids for me will you?”
With a groan, (much exaggerated to give effect) she slid out of the booth, finding her way through the crowd. April noticed several nice looking men of all ages watch Lexy leave, eyeing her up and down. And why not, thought April. She’s one good looking chick. There are plenty of other roosters in the barnyard.
April would see to that, subtly of course. If Lexy even suspected April was pushing her toward a man she would run the other way as fast as she could. She elbowed Steve, who was admiring a tall, long haired snow bunny.
“Hey sport. Let’s get the kids and get going. You have all week to look. Look but not touch!” Steve grinned at her.
“You know me too well, April. That’s what I love about you. You know I wouldn’t do more than look.” They rose, going to find Jessie and Ryan.
Dinner with her sister and brother-law was always a great time. Charles, Edie’s husband was from South Africa. Lexy always loved to hear him talk.
Her sister looked dazzling as usual behind the small half-moon bar. As soon as they could, the proprietors joined their little group of revelers. Lexy was glad she'd decided to come on the trip. She was having a good time, although every time she saw a man with long dark hair that curled down his neck she was reminded of Jack. And, there were plenty of tall, dark haired men out here. Lexy kept imagining she was seeing him. The impossible dream of course.
After they’d eaten dinner and had shared a sinful dessert, Edie brought out a bottle of wine and they continued to party. By the time they were about to close the place up at midnight, everyone (except the kids of course) was feeling pretty good, including Lexy. She knew that she’d pay dearly in the morning, but at the moment she was having a great time. It was something she didn’t do enough of, thanks to her almost hermit like existence DT.(during Tom!) As a result, Lexy was doing everything at full throttle, trying to make up for the last few years.
That had been obvious this last time in New York City with Jack. It embarrassed and sent chills up her spine simultaneously. She’d wanted him badly and had acted shamelessly. No wonder she hadn’t heard from him. It hurt her to think she’d allowed herself to be used again.
Oh shoot! Lexy didn’t know what the heck was going on. He hadn’t called, but then he’d said he would be busy. Did he really want to see her again? God, she wished she knew. This getting back into the dating scene was worse than death, for Heaven’s sake!
Lexy felt sorry for all those young people just starting out. It was much simpler years ago when she'd first started dating. Now you had to be careful of AIDS, and everyone jumped in the sack so quickly it made her head spin. And I’m just as guilty as the next person. I wanted him to ravish me for God’s sake!
“Lexy. Have you heard a word I’ve said. You’re in another world.” She snapped back to reality as her sister practically shook her.
“Sorry. I’m really here. Now what were you saying?”
On the way back to the ski lodge she and April were hanging on to each other to keep from falling down, singing at the top of their lungs in the pure mountain air. Steve and the kids walked as far behind them as they could, hoping no one would notice them with those two lunatics.
Still singing, Lexy and April moved through the lobby towards the staircase leading to their second floor rooms. As she glanced around, she spotted a dark haired man at the bar with his head bent, nursing a drink. She shook her head as they started up the stairs again.
The kids hurried on ahead so as not to look like they were associated with them. Lexy tossed her head. He looked so familiar, she had to look again. The man wasn’t there now. Now this was ridiculous. She hadn’t had that much! She just thought she’d seen him.
Oh well, she sighed. I guess I’ll be seeing his face everywhere I go. At least I was with him again for two days.
With another quick glance back, Lexy wandered up the stairs to the room she was sharing with her kids. Lexy wasn’t looking forward to the hangover she would most definitely have tomorrow.
The next morning Lexy bravely opened one eye and looked at the clock. It was 11:00 already. She groaned as she lifted her head. It felt twice the normal size. She painfully put her feet on the floor, standing up. “My God! Why! why! why!” Waving her hands ahead of herself, barely able to stand the bright light, she made it to the shower.
Lexy stood under the soothing water for twenty minutes. By the time she'd dried herself off and drank the glass of tomato juice that the kids had obviously left for her, she felt five-hundred percent better, which wasn’t saying all that much.
She struggled into her baby blue ski pants and matching jacket. Brushing out her hair very carefully, she plopped her white ski hat on. Lexy wasn’t about to be the party pooper, although at the moment she would’ve liked to be.
Cursing
her sister under her breath, she went down to the lobby and started toward the door. As she looked around the big open main room in the lodge she caught a glimpse of a slim, well built, dark haired man in a black ski jacket and jeans, aviator sunglasses in place. He seemed to be watching her. Abruptly he turned and walked out a side door.
Heavens, she had to cut this out. He wasn’t here for God’s sake. He didn’t even want her. He’d made that quite plain when he hadn’t called her!
Lexy slipped into the chair lift and was carried up the mountain. She had decided to try something a little more adventurous than the beginner hill. The way she felt at the moment, it didn’t seem to matter.
At the intermediate hill she put her glasses in place, digging her poles into the slick, icy snow. She gritted her teeth, pushing off. Lexy was actually enjoying herself until a big dip came up suddenly. She felt her skis go out from under her. Her right leg was caught at an awkward angle under a tangle of skis.
She lay there for a minute, unable to move. The pain seared through her, replacing her hangover. A member of the ski patrol came over to see if she was all right. He helped her up and her ankle gave out. He grabbed her as the pain shot through her leg right up to her hip. She gasped in pain. He put his hand on her ankle and she winced in agony.
“Does this hurt?” The young man was carefully examining her ankle that was starting to swell.
“Yes, I don’t think I can walk on it. Is it bad?”
“It feels like a slight sprain. Put your arm around my shoulder and I’ll help you back to the lodge. We’ll have our medic take a look at it. A little ice should do it for the next day or so.” He helped her to get up slowly.
As they made their way down the rest of the hill cautiously, the handsome, dark haired man at the top of the hill pushed off, leisurely slaloming down the hill, keeping his distance. Jack Wyatt watched as she was helped into the lodge. Placing his glasses up on his head, his dark, hazel eyes followed her every movement. He started toward the door, uncertain where he was going to begin.
Looking Out for Lexy Page 13