“Have fun,” Jake said.
“Bye,” Kerry said, conscious of his gaze on her all the while as she got into the car. She felt it as Carl pulled away. Once out of sight, Kerry sighed softly and turned to her date. She had to get over any lingering feelings for Jake Mitchell. Carl was a perfectly nice man and had been kind to invite her out. She would devote all of her attention to him during the evening.
When Kerry climbed into bed four hours later, she felt exhausted. Picking up the journal, she opened it, wondering if she could keep her eyes open. She’d read just two pages. The evening had seemed endless. Carl had told all about his business and what he’d been doing since she’d last spent the summer in West Bend. But he could have shortened the narrative by ninety percent, she thought.
The closeness she’d once felt as they played tennis and hung out at the country club seemed to have disappeared. Instead, the night had seemed endless.
The phone rang.
Instantly Kerry forgot her fatigue. Calls in the middle of the night usually meant trouble. She flung off the covers and ran for the hall phone. She hoped there wasn’t something wrong with her parents. Maybe they forgot the time change and were calling to—
“Hello?” she said breathlessly.
“Did you have a nice dinner?”
“Jake?” Sagging with relief, she slowly sank down to the carpet, leaning against the wall. “Do you know it’s almost midnight?”
“Yes, you just got home. Seems like a long time for dinner. How much do you eat?”
“How do you know I just got home? Are you spying on me?”
“Of course not. I saw Carl’s car, that’s all.”
“You just happened to be looking out the window?” she asked skeptically.
“I heard the car and being a conscientious neighbor, I checked.”
“Umm, neighborhood watch in West Bend.”
“Have fun?”
“Yes I did,” she said defiantly. Even if she had not, she would never admit it.
“I liked your dress. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in one before.”
Kerry smiled at the compliment. She hadn’t thought he’d notice, not when he had given a good impression of being more interested in talking to Carl than to her. “Of course you’ve seen me in a dress before. I wear them to church.”
“The last time was years ago, and as I recall, it was not soft and feminine, but tailored and rather intimidating.”
“That was a long time ago.” She couldn’t imagine anything or anyone intimidating Jake, especially not a woman. But she was surprised to be remembered.
“So your wardrobe is chock-full of frilly dresses? You surprise me, Kerry.”
She opened her mouth to tell him she’d just bought the dress, then snapped it shut. Slowly an idea glimmered. Jake didn’t know her. It had been years since she’d followed him around like a puppy. She’d grown up and moved away. That made her a stranger to him, for all their shared youth.
“I like feminine dresses,” she said slowly. She was glad she’d read that passage in Megan’s book. She’d felt deliciously feminine all evening.
“Oh, I’m not complaining, honey. Not a bit. You looked good in it.”
Honey? She caught her breath. He’d never called her honey before.
“Change your mind about going out with me tomorrow?” he asked.
Make sure he thinks you are busy and making an extra effort to spend time with him, had been her great-grandmother’s advice. But Kerry wanted to spend the day with Jake. She was taking careful care of herself to recover from burnout. And part of that was indulging herself in things she wanted. Sacrifices were fine in their place, but she’d sacrificed enough for now.
“I’ll have to see,” she hedged.
“About what?”
“I have other things to do.”
“Like?”
“I’m not on the witness stand, Jake. Don’t interrogate me.”
He chuckled. “I’ll back off if you say yes to tomorrow. We can go down by the river, then have dinner at the country club. There’s dancing on the terrace, and they have a Sunday buffet that’s well worth going for.”
“Ummm. Okay, you’ve convinced me. If I can change my plans, I’ll go.”
“It’s about time you said yes. I’d hate to see you on a witness stand. You’d put everything back weeks.”
“Just because I had things to do—”
“Nothing as important as spending the afternoon with me.”
“Ha!” She wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out at the phone. Still as arrogant as ever, she thought, warmed by the fact he hadn’t changed as much as she might have thought.
“Get to bed. You’ve been up late two nights. I thought you were tired from New York.”
“What are you, my watchdog? I can stay up as late as I want. And just how do you know I was up late last night?”
“I saw your light when I went to bed. I imagined you all tucked up safely in bed. And I have to tell you I think your dress today radically changed my concept of you.”
“Oh?” Was that good?
“I figured you as a no-nonsense kind of woman. One who wore jeans and tailored suits. And a cotton T-shirt to bed. Now I suspect there is an entirely different side to you, Kerry. What do you wear to bed, silk and satin? Lace and ruffles? Is your bed piled high with fancy pillows and frilly sheets?”
She glanced down at the serviceable cotton T-shirt she usually slept in. How long since she had bought feminine and frilly sleepwear? She remembered feeling so glamorous in the long diaphanous gowns she’d worn when she’d been a teen. Daydreams had filled her mind, and she’d spent hours finding just the perfect gown for her allowance.
“Kerry?”
“I think discussing my sleeping attire is a bit personal, don’t you Jake? After all we hardly know each other,” she stalled, wishing she had on some lacy confection that would have men drooling if they ever saw it. Wishing she had the kind of body that caused men to drool.
Sighing softly, she acknowledged wishing never got her anything. Look at her wishes for Jake. Her wishes for her job.
“Hardly know each other? How can you say that? You’ve plagued me for years, trailing after me everywhere I went. Have you forgotten your protestation of undying love?” he asked.
She closed her eyes in embarrassment. “It’s totally unnecessary for you to remind me of my childish infatuation,” she said slowly. “I was a kid, who had a foolish crush on you. Times change. I have to go now. Goodbye.” Kerry hung up the phone and leaned her head against the wall. She would not remember that last awful scene when she’d told Jake she loved him, would always love him. He’d been mad as a bee-stung dog in those days, at her, at the world. He’d laughed harshly and told her to leave him the hell alone and take her stupid childish infatuation away. He had better things to do than put up with some goofy teenager who didn’t know the meaning of the word, much less the emotion. And forever was a long time. She would forget him before she was twenty.
That had been eleven years ago. Kerry thought she’d forgotten how awful she’d felt, but at his words the old sensations flooded. She had been so hurt at his laughter, vowing eternal revenge. Instead, she’d grown up and moved on in her life. She didn’t need him to remind her now.
The phone rang.
Glaring at it, she ignored it and rose. Going into the bedroom, she switched off the light and climbed into bed. She’d read more of the journal tomorrow. Tonight she was going to sleep and forget all about Jake Mitchell and the attraction she’d once felt for him. Wasn’t practical her new mantra? How practical would it be to continue to see him, to try out her grandmother’s recipe? The man was a hopeless case and she’d do well to remember that. She didn’t need any more grief. Finding a new job, deciding where to live, she had enough on her plate.
The silence that echoed in the house when the phone stopped ringing was a welcome relief. But it was a long time before Kerry slept.
“Dam
mit.” Jake slammed down the receiver. He couldn’t believe she hung up on him and then wouldn’t answer the phone! Pacing to the window, he looked over to the house next door. The light in her room was out. He had half a mind to storm over there and pound on her door until she let him in. He had intended to tease her about her crush on him, not make her mad.
He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. He shouldn’t have brought it up. Especially since nothing since he’d seen her earlier this week indicated she felt the same anymore.
And that was part of the problem. If he were honest with himself, as he always tried to be, he’d admit he missed her devotion, her wide-eyed worship. Tomorrow he’d make sure she stuck to her promise to spend the afternoon with him. If she could arrange to see Carl after being in town only three days, she could damn well make time to see him!
At least she and Carl had not been long in saying good-night. Though they were late enough if they had gone just for dinner. Had there been more? He didn’t think Kerry was the type to do more with some guy on a first date, but then what did he know? He hadn’t seen her in years. And even then it had been brief glimpses as she came and went at the Porters’ place. She was all grown up now, and a woman on her own. Eleven years had passed since she’d tried to kiss him, make him believe she loved him.
Was he still trying to hold on to that? She’d moved on. She dated other men, kissed them, maybe more.
His gut tightened at the thought of Kerry and Carl kissing. He remembered the taste of her when he’d kissed her in the yard. He didn’t want another man touching her like that.
And why not?
Not liking the trend of his thoughts, Jake headed for the shower. Kerry was her own person. She could do what she wanted with her life. But tomorrow he’d make sure she spent the day with him! That would banish all images of her with Carl Penning.
And if she wanted kisses, Jake would see she got all she could handle!
“How did the date with Carl go?” Sally asked as Kerry slipped into her car when she stopped by to pick Kerry up for church the next morning.
“Fine. We had fun. We might play some tennis next week.” Kerry tried to put some enthusiasm in her voice. The evening had not been special by any means, but it had been pleasant enough. It sure beat sitting home by herself.
“Carl’s always loved tennis. I remember you two were evenly matched at one time.”
“That was ages ago and I haven’t played since I moved to New York. I’m sure I’m as rusty as can be.”
“Maybe it’s like riding a bike, you never forget. I like that dress.”
“Do you think it’s all right for church? Not too casual?” Kerry asked.
The dress was cool and comfortable. The light blue top was elasticized, hugging her curves like a second skin. The bodice could have stayed in place without the thin straps over her shoulders. The cream colored skirt with scattered blue flowers moved with her as she walked, the fullness caressing her bare legs, soft cotton against silky skin. Sitting in the car, it covered her knees and pooled around her like a cloud.
“I think it looks lovely. I like the blue sandals with it.”
“And I like the comfort. No panty hose, no tight waist. It’s just what I wanted.”
“So do you feel ultra-feminine now? What else did you read in Megan’s journal last night?”
“I didn’t read last night—I got home late. Carl took me to that ice cream parlor near the new mall for dessert, and we talked forever.” Kerry left it at that. No sense in telling Sally about Jake’s call. It wasn’t important.
When Sally parked in the lot by the huge red brick First Baptist Church, Kerry looked around. She recognized many of the people standing in groups, chatting before the service began.
“There’s Greg,” Sally said quietly, reaching for her purse. “Oh, interesting, he’s talking with Jake. It’s been a while since Jake’s come to church. I wonder why today?” Sally glanced speculatively at Kerry as she shut the car door.
Kerry’s heart sped up, despite her efforts to appear cool and collected. Just what she needed, to run into Jake after hanging up on him last night. She should have mentioned it to Sally. If Jake said anything, her cousin would wonder instantly why she hadn’t said something.
Reluctantly she followed Sally toward the two men, both dressed in suits. The sun glinted on Jake’s hair, its rich darkness almost blue black beneath the hot rays. Next to Jake, Greg didn’t look quite as big as he had at dinner the other night. Both men turned when Sally called out a greeting.
“Good morning, Kerry.” Jake’s voice was low, almost intimate when she joined the small group. His eyes danced in amusement. “Sleep well?”
“Hi Jake, Greg.” Kerry ignored the question and tried to walk by.
Jake’s hand shot out and grasped her arm, effectively stopping her. Slowly he drew her beside him.
“We still on for this afternoon?” he asked.
“What are you doing this afternoon?” Sally asked, looking charming in a yellow sundress with a white short sleeve jacket. Her eyes darted suspiciously between Jake and Kerry.
“We’re going down to the river, then dinner at the country club.” Kerry shrugged, trying to appear casual.
“Sounds like fun. You didn’t mention that in the car.” Sally turned to her cousin, her eyes narrowed slightly.
Kerry shrugged, conscious of Jake’s touch. His fingers seemed to burn into her skin, the tingles rushing through her making it next to impossible to think, much less come up with a coherent reason to give her cousin. She pulled against his hold, but Jake only tightened his grip.
“Nothing’s definite. I have to see if I can rearrange things,” Kerry muttered.
“You said yes on the phone last night,” Jake reminded her softly.
“After your last crack, I don’t think—”
“We should be going in,” Sally interrupted.
“Good idea.” Jake slid his hand down Kerry’s arm and clasped her fingers with his.
“I don’t need you to hold my hand,” she snapped, tugging free. Kerry resented his taking charge. She was aware of the covert glances given them, especially from some of the women who probably had tried to capture Jake’s attention and failed.
Eleven years ago, seven, even five, Kerry would have been thrilled with the attention Jake paid. But now she knew it meant nothing. She would not let herself be caught up in dreams and schemes again. Life threw hard lessons, sometimes, but it was up to her to learn from them.
No more dreaming? A voice inside questioned. What about trying the ingredients to Megan’s recipe for a happy marriage partner? Kerry quelled the voice. Trying one or two suggestions didn’t mean she was scheming to capture Jake’s undying love and devotion. It was merely a practice run for when she found a man with whom she wanted to build a future. If it worked with cynical Jake, it would work with the man of her dreams.
“I’ll take Kerry home,” Jake said to Sally at the end of the service. “Save you the trip.”
“Thanks, I’d appreciate that.”
Kerry frowned at Sally. What was she, unwanted freight? She could have driven herself to church this morning. Sally had volunteered to pick her up.
“Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Sally said gaily as she turned back to Greg.
“She’s going to smother him, if she’s not careful,” Jake said as he turned Kerry toward his black car and started walking.
“She likes him,” Kerry said in defense.
“And sometimes I think he likes her. But she comes on too strong. And we both know Sally has no staying power. She’ll burn out soon and flit along to the next man.”
“Maybe this time it’s for real,” Kerry said just for the sake of arguing. She agreed with Jake, but had no intentions of telling him so.
“Yeah, and maybe pigs fly.” Jake reached out to open the door for Kerry.
She slid into the car, and tried to muster some argument against Jake’s allegations. She came up with none. Sa
lly had a track record of falling in and out of love as often as some people changed their hairstyle.
Yet she couldn’t let it alone. When he got into the car, she turned to him.
“You view her through cynical eyes. Sally’s a wonderful woman, and will make someone a good wife.”
“How long do you think she would last the course? She can’t even stay engaged for longer than six months.”
“Just because your mother left your father doesn’t mean every woman walks out of a marriage.”
“Enough do.” His tone cooled.
“I suppose you see a lot of that in your work.”
“No, I’m not into family law. But I have colleagues who discuss it.”
“Oh, and fathers don’t leave?” she asked.
“They do. Marriage as a whole is outdated and overrated.”
“What? I can’t believe you said that! It’s a wonderful institution. We need marriages to keep our society strong.”
He looked at her. “If it’s so great, why aren’t you married?”
She closed her mouth and turned to look out the windshield. There was no way she would tell him how her foolish childish infatuation had influenced her. No man had ever measured up to her ideal since Jake. Wouldn’t he roar with laughter if he knew?
“I’m busy getting a career started,” she said after a moment.
“Then you plan to get hitched?” He started the car and pulled out on to the street, turning for home.
“Maybe. If I find the right man.”
“And how do you find the right man?”
“Find isn’t the word. Connect with, maybe.” She frowned. It was a good question. She certainly had not connected with anyone in New York. Were her standards too high? Or had she just been spoiled by the man beside her?
“Fall in love.” Sarcasm laced his tone.
“Cynic,” she murmured.
“Idealist.”
“I’d rather be idealistic than cynical.”
“I prefer to think of myself as realistic,” Jake said smoothly.
“Not every marriage ends in divorce. Look at my parents, or my aunt and uncle.”
The Husband Campaign Page 5