“Lucky. And it isn’t over yet. There’s still time.”
“You’re impossible.”
He pulled into his driveway and turned off the engine. “I’ll just be a few minutes. Are you going to change?”
“Do you think I need to?”
“You look fine just the way you are.” One finger traced the soft skin on her shoulder.
Kerry shrugged away from his touch, a moment of panic threatening. She was out of her mind to think she could spend the afternoon with him and not find herself in deep trouble. His lightest touch about drove her crazy. And he’d mentioned dancing at the country club that night. Could she stand to be held in his arms, swaying her body with his to soft sultry music? Could she do that and not give away her heart?
“I’ll be right back.”
Trying to calm her nerves, she recalled the passages from Megan’s journal. Had she attended the same church where Megan had flirted with Frederick? She’d have to ask her cousin, or wait for Aunt Peggy to get back. Had Megan practiced her ideas before Frederick, or was he the original test case? Kerry wondered if she ought to do that, practice before going in for the real thing. She could practice on Jake. She knew he would never seriously entertain the notion of marriage. She could try the different suggestions from the journal and see what worked and what didn’t, then be ready to seriously attract her perfect mate when she was ready to settle down.
Speaking of which, she needed to get busy looking for another job. The three days’ rest had already buoyed her spirits. The listlessness and lethargy were fading. In fact, she brimmed with ideas and energy. Unfortunately they all seemed centered around Jake.
Maybe she’d seriously consider looking for a position in Charlotte. It would be nice to be near Aunt Peggy and Sally. And while New York had been exciting, it was a long way from the only home she really loved. The apartments and houses she and her parents had shared were gone. They had even put their furnishings in storage before this last assignment. Uncertain of where they would go when it was complete, they didn’t want the expense of a house that would be vacant for several months.
Jake came out of the house wearing the same white shirt he’d worn to church, but paired with chinos. A dark blazer was slung over one shoulder. He tossed it into the backseat when he opened his door and slid behind the wheel.
“I thought we’d stop at the Dairy Freeze for a burger and then head for the river. You haven’t seen the new interpretive center, have you?”
“No, but Aunt Peggy wrote me about it. Has it changed things a lot?”
“No. It’s upstream from the swimming area. Theoretically the natural wildlife finds a haven there. There are boardwalks lining both sides of the river with signs telling you what flora and fauna is nearby. We can always go swimming if you want.”
“I didn’t bring a suit.”
“Guess that answers that. Ready?”
Kerry nodded. She would remember all she’d read in the journal and apply everything to today’s outing. Practice as well as practical, two new watchwords.
Kerry enjoyed the afternoon. But she wasn’t sure Jake did. Lunch had been quick, then they’d driven to the river. Half the families in town had the same idea. It was crowded. The boardwalk thundered with the sound of children running back and forth. The benches spaced every few hundred yards were occupied by the older visitors, and even the secluded areas were filled with teenagers laughing and listing to loud music.
Jake took Kerry’s hand when they left the car, and wandered along the raised boardwalk. From time to time they had to walk single file because of others, but even then Jake kept firm contact, shifting his hold from her hand to her shoulders. Kerry gave up protesting and set out to enjoy the afternoon. Conversation was of necessity sporadic. But she didn’t mind. She enjoyed seeing what the local town council had done to improve the riverfront area.
In the late afternoon Jake took her to the swimming beach. Young children in bright life jackets played in the shallows, while older boys and girls used the two ropes suspended from overhanging branches to swing wide and drop into the deeper part of the river. Parents lounged in chairs at the river’s edge.
Instantly memories of long-ago summers surfaced. Kerry and Sally and their friends had spent many wonderful hours playing at the river. She wished she’d brought her suit to see if she could recapture some of the memories. Another day, maybe.
“We could have gone swimming,” he said as they watched the children frolic in the lazily meandering water.
“Was it this crowded when we used to swim here?”
“Sometimes. Only we were the ones in the water, so it didn’t seem to matter. We should have gone somewhere else today.”
Let the man do the chasing—just don’t run so fast he can’t catch you.
Kerry leaned a bit closer to him and her hand drifted to his shoulder. She could feel the heat beneath his shirt. “I can’t think why. I’ve enjoyed seeing all the changes, remembering back when I was a kid. I’ve had a great afternoon.”
He tightened his hand and drew her even closer. “If there weren’t a hundred people within eyesight, I’d take up where we left off the other afternoon.”
She blinked, heat spreading throughout, washing up into her cheeks, moving swiftly all the way to her fingertips. Swallowing hard, Kerry held his gaze, slowly licking her lower lip.
Jake groaned. “Are you doing that deliberately to provoke me? That sexy dress is driving me crazy with the way it fits like a second skin on top and then flares out to sway and swish as you walk. Quite a change from shorts and a T-shirt. Your hair begs for my fingers to test its softness.” Even as he spoke he gently rubbed several strands.
Kerry caught her breath. The dark gleam in his eyes clearly announced his interest. Or was she reading him all wrong? How much was real, and how much wishful thinking after reading Megan’s journal?
CHAPTER FOUR
Encourage a man to talk about his work and his future.
—Megan Madacy’s journal, Spring 1923
THE AFTERNOON SPED BY and as soon as the sun began to sink, Jake drove them to the country club. Because West Bend was so small, there were few restaurants in town—the city of Charlotte was close enough when a couple wanted a night out. Most of the locals belonged to the country club, so it was always well patronized.
This night was no exception. It was crowded. The Sunday buffet proved to be a popular item. Kerry and Jake were seated at a table on the terrace, near the open area where dancing would commence later. The late afternoon sun was blocked from the terrace by the elegant brick building. Umbrellas still stood spread over tables, their usefulness diminished as evening approached.
The tennis courts were empty, but the high night lights that had been installed a few years ago offered die-hard enthusiasts a few more hours of play after the day ended. While no one was taking advantage this evening, the cooler hours after sunset made it a popular place.
“So, tell me what important plans did you finally change to come out with me today,” Jake said after they had been seated and handed menus.
“Writing a resumé,” Kerry said, reaching for a roll and then offering the basket to Jake. He stared at her, ignoring the bread.
“Writing a resumé? You almost gave up spending a day with me to write a resumé?”
Kerry looked at him innocently, almost laughing at his incredulity. “I do have to look for another job, you know. I don’t have unlimited funds. The sooner I get started, the sooner I’ll find something.”
“I thought you might stay for the summer, or a good portion of it at least,” Jake said, taking a roll from the basket and tearing it in two.
“I’m not a child any more. I have to work,” she said reasonably, wondering if he wanted her to stay for the summer. Or was he merely being polite?
“You can always write your resumé when I’m at work, spend time with me when I’m home,” he said.
She laughed softly. “You sound like a petulant littl
e kid. I’ll write it when I want. You’re lucky I decided I could wait another day. Besides, nice as this is, we won’t make a habit of it.”
“I’m supposed to be impressed with my luck? We spent the morning with your cousin and Greg in church, the afternoon surrounded by half the town of West Bend and now the other half is here for dinner.”
“Aren’t you glad not to have that puppy-lovestruck girl dogging your every footstep?” she asked lightly, buttering a piece of warm roll. What had she read most recently in the diary? Something about asking about his work. That should be easy. Most men liked to impress women with their accomplishments.
“Instead of dogging my footsteps, she’s doing her best to avoid me or annoy me,” he grumbled, laying down the menu. “Decided what you want yet?”
Kerry looked up, her eyes bright with amusement. “Think I’m avoiding you?”
“You can’t suggest you’re the same girl who once thought she was in love with me?”
“No, of course not. But you took a risk asking me out, don’t you think? What if I still had that crush?”
“No risk. Since you’ve arrived you’ve shown me you couldn’t care less. It challenges a man, you know.”
Megan had been right. Chalk one up for great-grandmothers!
“So are you now going to try to make me fall for you just to meet some challenge?” she asked sassily. And if he did? How would she feel about that? This had started as a lark, see if any of the advice from the diary actually worked. She didn’t believe for an instant that Jake would really fall for her. Or that she wanted him to, now. She’d grown up. Both had moved beyond the stages of their lives when she’d known him before.
And she was still uncertain what she wanted to do next. Would she stay in North Carolina, or return to New York? What she ought to do was fly to Greece and spend some weeks with her parents and look for a new job in the fall.
“No, the last thing I want is some woman thinking she’s falling in love with me. Or what she imagines is love. That’s nothing but a trap for unwary men.” Jake’s tone took a hard edge.
“So why ask me out? Actually almost demand I go out with you?”
“For old times’ sake?”
Kerry leveled him a look. “And?”
“And to get some questions answered. I haven’t seen you in a long time. I wanted to discover what you’re like now, Kerry. Maybe we could share a few fun dates together before you move on.”
“Safe and practical,” she murmured, oddly disappointed. Yet why should she feel disappointed? He proposed almost the exact terms she would have.
He nodded.
Murmuring her new watchword beneath her breath, she wryly shook her head. She didn’t feel very practical sitting opposite Jake listening to him propose they date casually. Her heart had flipped at his words, now it pounded in her chest. Her hands grew damp and she put them in her lap. The familiar tingle resonated on her skin. For one moment she almost blurted out an acceptance. Then the words of her great-grandmother echoed in her mind.
It was one thing to practice her new guidelines with Jake, but she knew nothing would come of a relationship between them. He as much admitted it himself not two seconds ago. Did she still want to practice those long-ago words of wisdom?
“Thanks, I think, but I’ll pass.”
“Saving your time for Mr. Right?” he asked lightly.
“Just not interested. Oh, look, is that Mr. and Mrs. Gramlin?” Kerry indicated an elderly couple being shown to a table near theirs.
“Yes.”
“Aunt Peggy wrote me last month about their anniversary celebration.” She smiled triumphantly at Jake. “They have been married fifty years. See, there are marriages that last.”
“So far.”
Kerry laughed aloud. “You’re so cynical. That must make you one of the best lawyers around. Tell me more about your practice.”
Jake looked at her for a moment—assessment in his gaze. “What do you want to know?”
“Everything. How you like it, what gives you the greatest pleasure, what you dislike about practicing law. What cases have been unusual. Do you have a partner?”
He hesitated a moment as if not sure he knew what she expected. Then slowly he began to speak.
Kerry became instantly fascinated. Jake had a flair for captivating her interest and holding it as he spoke of the difficulties of building a private practice, of the frustrations with all the rules and guidelines that seemed to protect the alleged criminals more than the actual victims.
He spoke of struggling alone for the first few years and then joining another firm in which he was now partner. Discussing the differences between a solo act and a team effort, his voice shimmered with enthusiasm. She took delight in his quiet confidence and pride in his successes.
The music began as they were eating dinner and by the time Kerry finished, several couples were circling the area on the terrace set aside for dancing. Time flew by as she listened to Jake quietly discuss some of his unusual cases.
“Are you bored yet?” he asked.
“Never. It’s fascinating! If I find some free time this week, I might stop in and watch you in action. You said you were in court every day, right?”
“Right. So you’d slip in like you did years ago?”
“I hope I’m a bit more adult now. I promise not to giggle.”
He nodded, watching her thoughtfully.
“You’ve let me talk on forever. Your turn.”
“Me?”
“Tell me about Kerry.”
Idly she traced the rim of her glass, her eyes watching her fingertip. What could she tell him?
“I think I should defer that question until later. I’m at a crossroads now. What I defined myself as a month ago has all changed. Once I’ve decided what I want to do with my future, I’ll probably change things again.” She looked up, catching her breath at the understanding in his dark gaze. Flustered, she glanced around, watching the couples dancing to the soft music.
“It must have been hard to lose your job. Your aunt said you loved it.”
“It was hard. I don’t want to talk about it now.” She fixed her gaze on a couple and wished for a moment she felt as carefree as the woman appeared. Carefree and happy.
“Looks like fun,” she said, sipping the last of her iced tea.
“If you want to wait for dessert, we could dance.”
“Sure.”
The song was slow, the lights dimmed, the air warm and sultry. Slowly Jake drew her close, encircling her with both arms, pulling her against the hard muscles of his chest. He linked his hands at the small of her back and started moving with the music. Kerry put her arms around his neck and rested her forehead against his cheek. The scent of his aftershave filled her, sexy and disturbing. She felt feminine and young and almost starry-eyed once again. How many times as a teenager had she fantasized about dancing with Jake, about his arms around her, her body pressed against his?
Now that those long-ago dreams had become reality, it was too late. She knew he was not the man for her. It was past time to put away childish wishes and focus on her future. Maybe Jake had the right idea, spend some time together until she moved on. Knowing she could not fall for him again would safeguard her heart.
And there were still more of Megan’s ingredients to test. Kerry sighed softly and tried to ignore the clamoring to snuggle closer, tried to ignore the tingling sensations that danced across her skin at Jake’s touch.
Slowly they swayed, not talking, simply enjoying the melody and the evening. The song ended and another began. Jake didn’t miss a beat. They drifted around the dance floor as if they’d been partners forever. Kerry knew she’d never forget this night. A few magical hours out of time. She felt a bit sad. She would have given anything to have him dance with her like this eleven years ago. Now, they were two strangers sharing an evening.
When the small combo took a break, Kerry excused herself to visit the rest room. While she drew a comb through he
r hair, she studied herself in the mirror. Her eyes were bright and sparkling with hidden emotion, the flush on her cheeks did not come entirely from being in the sun that afternoon. The dress was perfect. All in all, not a bad turnout. And one Jake seemed to appreciate. Was it the novelty of having her not fawning over him that made him more interested? The feminine dress?
Five minutes later she rejoined Jake.
“Dessert?” he asked.
“No, just coffee. It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it.”
“A bit warm.”
“Umm.” She nodded and looked around the terrace. Waving at a friend, she noticed the area was as crowded as ever. The buffet wasn’t the only attraction. It seemed the people from West Bend liked to dance as well.
When the music resumed, Jake rose. “Dance?”
“Maybe another one or two. I need to get home before too long,” Kerry said.
“Right, you need to get to sleep if you’re going to be writing a resumé tomorrow.”
“Don’t you have to go to work?”
“Yes, but I can get by on a few hours less sleep one night.”
“Lucky you. Even with court tomorrow?”
“I’ll manage. If you do come into Charlotte one day, I’ll take you to lunch.”
“Umm, I’ll see,” she murmured.
Once on the dance floor, Kerry gave way to impulse and snuggled closer. It was probably a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Not wanting to miss a second of it, she could feel her heart pounding and hoped Jake did not. If nothing else, she wanted to portray a cool sophisticated woman.
Boldly, she threaded her fingers through the thick hair on the back of his head. Jake pulled her even closer, until she felt the hard muscles of his thighs. Her skirt caught and released against his pants as they swayed and moved to the music.
“It’s hot,” Jake murmured in the crush of the crowd. The breeze from earlier had died down. Even on the patio, the night air felt sultry and warm. She could smell the scent of jasmine.
Matching the tempo of the melody, she gave herself up to move with the music. When Jake’s hand drifted up and down across her back, she almost melted against him.
The Husband Campaign Page 6