The Husband Campaign

by Barbara McMahon

  Oblivious to everything but the task at hand, he never glanced her way. Gratefully, Kerry watched until he moved to the front yard. Sighing softly, she returned to her cooking. If she didn’t watch herself that crush she had once had so badly would resurface and she’d be in a pickle. She should have invited Carl tonight. Or not listened to Sally and kept her guest list to her cousin and Greg. The three of them had enjoyed dinner last week. They didn’t need a fourth.

  Too late now to change everything. But she would keep it casual. Three old friends and Greg.

  Kerry was debating whether to slip out to the country club for a quick dip in the pool that afternoon when the phone rang. She would like to swim a little, but knew the pool would be crowded with families and children. Still, it would be nice to cool off and work on her tan a bit more. Her days of being a lady of leisure were fast waning.

  “Hello?”

  “Kerry?” a familiar voice croaked.

  “Sally? What’s wrong? You sound terrible.”

  “I feel even worse! I have the most awful cold. I can’t believe I got one now! I’m so miserable. I can’t come to dinner tonight. I called Greg and told him already.”

  “But you have to come. I have a ton of food. And I already invited Jake!”

  “Even if I could crawl out of bed, I wouldn’t want to infect everyone. You and Jake have dinner. Freeze what you don’t eat and we can have it next week when I’m feeling better. If I ever feel better.”

  “Colds don’t last that long, you’ll be fine in a couple of days.” Kerry’s heart sank. She had been counting on her cousin and Greg to be there. Would Jake believe they’d been invited when they didn’t show up? He’d probably think it was just a ploy by Kerry to have him over.

  “Maybe, but right now I feel terrible. I’d much rather it be cool and raining outside than have this cold when the weather is so beautiful,” Sally complained.

  “Drink a lot of fluids—”

  Sally laughed, then coughed. “Now you sound like Mom. I’ll take care of myself. Have fun tonight, sorry I’ll miss it. But I wouldn’t even be able to taste anything feeling like this.”

  Tonight? There was no way she was going to entertain Jake alone. Kerry hung up and looked out the window. No sign of Jake. The lawn mower had stopped long ago. Was he inside? Should she call him and cancel? It was one thing to have him over when there were others. Something else again if it were just the two of them. Going to the phone, she quickly dialed.

  After four rings the answering machine responded.

  “Hi Jake, it’s Kerry. Sally is sick, so can’t make dinner tonight. I guess we’d better cancel. I have a ton of food, though, so I can make you a plate if you like?” She frowned. If she were going to feed the man, why not have him eat at her place. “Or you can still come over if you want, but Greg and Sally won’t be here. It’ll just be you and me.”

  Obviously.

  She felt like an idiot. Would he think she was coming on to him?

  “Or you can take it home.”

  Now she sounded like a take-out place.

  “Call me,” she ended and hung up before she said anything else stupid.

  Looking out the front window, Kerry saw Jake’s car was gone. He’d get her message when he returned.

  By five-thirty, she had not heard from him. Nor was his car in the driveway. Where was he, she wondered. And should she expect him at six or not?

  The blue dress she wore was short and sassy. The sandals barely shod her feet and she’d splurged and painted her toenails a pale pink. The color looked nice against her newly acquired tan.

  Entering the kitchen, she made the cornbread batter, poured it into the pan and set it near the stove. Quickly tossing a salad, she placed it in the refrigerator. She had to eat, even if Jake didn’t show up. And if he did show, once he learned that Sally and Greg weren’t here, he might wish to take a plate home and not bother making small talk while they ate. Pacing the kitchen, she kept looking out the window. Where was Jake? Had he received her message?

  When six o’clock came with no Jake, Kerry knew he wasn’t coming. He’d probably called his phone for messages from wherever he’d gone that day. She’d pop the cornbread into the oven and eat when it was done. She wasn’t really disappointed. It might have proved awkward to entertain him after last night’s kisses.

  Sighing softly, she checked on the cornbread. She’d be eating early. She had planned to have a glass or two of wine on the patio before cooking the bread and serving the meal. But that’s when she expected guests. Now she was on her own.

  Retrieving Megan’s diary, Kerry sat at the kitchen table reading it while the cornbread baked. The fragrance filled the room and her mouth watered. She didn’t mind eating early, she was hungry.

  The knock on the back door startled her. Jake stood on the small porch, dressed in casual slacks and a pullover knit shirt in deep green.

  “Sorry I’m late. I got held up.”

  “I didn’t expect you,” she said noting how handsome he looked. Suddenly she remembered how great he had looked earlier when cutting the lawn. There was no getting around the fact he was a fine figure of a man, as Megan would have said.

  He looked at her quizzically. “You said sixish. I know it’s fifteen after, but surely that’s close enough. Are you going to let me in?”

  Flustered, she nodded and stepped back.

  “Smells good,” he said, looking around. “Where are Sally and Greg?”

  “I left a message on your answering machine. Sally’s sick, so she canceled for them both. I called this morning, tried to reach you.”

  “I didn’t even stop to check the machine. Sorry to hear she’s sick. Is it bad?”

  “Just a summer cold, though she feels miserable. But since it’s just the two of us now, I thought maybe you’d rather not.”

  “I think we can muddle through a meal together, don’t you?” he said. Slowly he let his gaze skim across her shoulders, down the length of her body, stopping when he saw the polish on her toes. His mouth quirked up.

  “Sure. Want a glass of wine?” Kerry turned away before her knees gave way. The look he gave her was hot enough to melt iron. “I had planned to sit outside and have dinner around seven, but I’ve already put in the cornbread. It’ll be ready in a few more minutes.”

  “That’s fine with me. I missed lunch. Had an appointment.”

  So that’s why he was late—he couldn’t tear himself away from a date. Why had he even agreed to come to dinner? Or had he invited the other woman out after Kerry’s last minute invitation so late Thursday night? She almost groaned aloud. She had not followed her great-grandmother’s tenet about not being so readily available. She should not have invited him. Not that it mattered. And the twinge she felt had nothing to do with him seeing other women. He could see every woman in North Carolina if he wanted to!

  Oh, no? her subconscious challenged.

  “You could have called and canceled tonight,” she said, relieved her voice sounded normal. Pasting a bright smile on her face, she turned to hand him a glass of wine.

  Jake was leafing through the journal.

  “Oh no, don’t read that!” She hurried across the wide kitchen and thrust the wine glass at him, reaching to snatch away the journal at the same time. The last thing she wanted was for him to realize what she’d been doing since she arrived. He’d instantly suspect she was trying to lure him into some commitment trap. Given their history, he’d never believe she was just passing the time until the real Mr. Right appeared on the horizon.

  He frowned, took the glass and looked at the leather-bound journal.

  “A diary of some kind?” he asked.

  She nodded. “Sally and Aunt Peggy found it when cleaning out the attic this spring. From our great-grandmother. Mine and Sally’s I mean. It was from Aunt Peggy’s and Mom’s grandmother. Their mother’s mother.” She knew she was babbling, but couldn’t stop.

  “From when she was a child?”

  �
��Not exactly. Actually it was from the day she turned eighteen. Back in those days that was considered all grown up. She writes about the family and about court—ah, I mean cotillions and things like that.” Turning away, she placed the journal on top of the refrigerator and peeked into the oven. The cornbread was a golden brown.

  “Dinner’s ready,” she said. “Want to eat outside?”

  Settled on the patio a few minutes later, Kerry was pleased to see Jake enjoy the meal. She, on the other hand, could scarcely eat. She pushed some of the meat around, took a small bite of jambalaya. Nervous, she picked at her salad.

  “Something wrong?” Jake asked watching her.

  “No.” She smiled brightly, not quite meeting his eyes. Reaching for her wineglass, she took a sip, wishing now that she’d served iced tea. “Did you have a nice afternoon?”

  Kerry closed her eyes in disgust. The last thing she wanted to hear was about Jake’s date that day. How could she have said that? Bravely studying her plate she hoped Jake thought she was making small talk. Not that she really cared how he spent his time. Or with whom.

  “Nice? Wasn’t that kind of appointment,” he said, buttering a thick wedge of cornbread.

  “What kind?”

  “The kind where you have fun.”

  Kerry frowned. “What kind did you have, then?”

  “A business appointment, what did you think? A meeting with a private investigator for the case I’m working on.” His eyes gleamed. “Did you think I left a hot date with another woman to join you for dinner?”

  “I’d never think that,” she retorted, feeling the heat steal into her cheeks. She was glad mind reading wasn’t his specialty. Or was it? The smug look on his face made her want to slap it off. He did think she was jealous. She’d have to prove to him that she couldn’t care less.

  “I saw you cut the grass this morning,” she said, then remembered how she’d watched him from the window. Maybe this wasn’t the topic she wanted brought up. “I would have thought you’d hire a gardener.”

  “I had one a few years ago, when Dad first sold me the house. But one day the man couldn’t make it, so I did the work—and found I liked it. Having to do it as a teenager seemed a chore. Now that the place is mine, I feel differently about it. And mowing gives me time to think. There is a surprising sense of satisfaction when I’m all done.”

  “I like gardening for the same reason. I hope I can have a balcony or something in my new apartment so I can grow flowers. I had a window box in New York, but that’s all. Some day I’d like a huge old house where I could garden to my heart’s content.”

  “New apartment?”

  Trust him to pick up on that.

  “Umm.” She met his gaze, wondering what his thoughts were. “I’m going to see if I can obtain a job in Charlotte. Then I’d need a place to stay.”

  Jake studied her thoughtfully. “What’s wrong with staying here in West Bend? I commute. It’s not that far.”

  She shrugged. “I think I’d like Charlotte. It’s got more going for it than West Bend.”

  “Too quiet here for you?”

  Toying with her wineglass, Kerry tried to find the words to explain what she was feeling. She didn’t want to get into an argument with the man, but she had her own needs to consider.

  “Actually, I think West Bend is a wonderful place to live. To raise a family.” She met his eyes. “But until I do get married and get ready to start that family, I would rather be where there is more action.” And away from temptation in the form of a tall, sexy, dark-haired man.

  “So you can pick up some guy?” His voice was tight.

  “Pick up? I don’t think so. But meet, date. Not everyone is like you, Jake. I do want to find a mate, build a life together, share things with someone special.”

  “Marriage only gives the illusion of longevity. Depend on yourself, Kerry. You’ll be less likely to be hurt that way.”

  “Cynic,” she murmured.

  “Realist, I believe. Where you are like Pollyanna, always seeing the best.”

  “Nothing wrong with that. There are a lot of people who have very wonderful marriages. Do you think I should cultivate cynicism like you?”

  “No.” The clipped tone virtually ended the discussion.

  Sipping from her wineglass, Kerry was puzzled. She’d almost think Jake cared about her dating, except the notion was too outlandish.

  The silence stretched out for a long time. Finally, Jake laid down his fork.

  “The meal was delicious, Kerry,” he said formally.

  “Thanks. I have pineapple upside-down cake for dessert, want any?”

  “Your aunt’s recipe?”

  “What other one would I use? I know you like this one.”

  “Ah, did you bake this cake for me?”

  Flustered, Kerry stacked their plates and rose, heading toward the kitchen. She glanced over her shoulder and shook her head. “Sally and I like it, too. And I thought Greg would as well.”

  Jake rose and followed her into the kitchen. “I’m glad you made it, whatever the reason.”

  Kerry had placed the cake in the oven to warm with the residual heat from baking the cornbread. She withdrew it and cut generous portions. “Ice cream on the side?” she asked, wishing he’d remained outside. He seemed to fill the kitchen, crowd her, though there was plenty of room. But he stepped closer and she almost panicked.

  “Of course.” Jake reached into the freezer and withdrew the carton of ice cream. “Shall I scoop it up?”

  She nodded, moving away from the plates. He seemed to take up all the air. And she wasn’t sure how her equilibrium would survive in such close proximity. But for a moment fantasy took possession of her mind. She could almost imagine being married to Jake, sharing tasks in the kitchen, preparing meals together, and discussing their day. Turning her head swiftly, she could almost hear the patter of little feet running toward them. Foolish thoughts. Hadn’t Jake made it clear a hundred times he was not interested in the institution of marriage?

  Settled on the patio a few minutes later, Kerry was pleased at the way Jake ate the cake. It tasted as good as any her aunt baked, and she was glad she’d prepared it. In fact, the entire evening was going better than she had hoped when Sally canceled.

  Jake took the last bite of his cake and then leaned back in the chair. “Dinner was delicious, Kerry. You’re a good cook.”

  “Thank you.”

  He watched her as she ate. Her ability surprised him. Somehow he still thought of Kerry as the obnoxious teenager who followed him around like he was some superhero. Logically he realized that she had grown up, moved beyond that. She had spent years in New York. Built a successful career. Just because it got sidetracked by the takeover didn’t mean she wouldn’t land on her feet. He was growing to know this new Kerry, and found himself intrigued by the different facets she revealed.

  And the differences from his preconceived ideas. It was dangerous in his line of work to become fixed on any one idea. He needed to view things with openness, be aware of changes and clues that gave him insight into people. He didn’t seem to be doing such a great job with Kerry.

  Intrigued and perplexed was how he felt. He would not have expected this sophisticated woman across the table from him. He still looked for traces of that younger Kerry who had so adored him.

  What kind of man did it make him that he now missed that adoration? He didn’t deserve any of it. He had virtually ignored her existence for the last several years. Now that her devotion was missing, he wanted it. At least some form of it.

  He wasn’t sure he liked her idea of moving to Charlotte. Granted, she’d lived farther away when in New York, but now that he’d seen her again, discovered they could spend time together without her throwing herself at him, he liked it. He felt comfortable around Kerry. They both knew the score, so there were no machinations trying to entrap him.

  “You haven’t mentioned Boyd. What’s he up to these days?” she asked, referring to his br
other.

  “He lives in Los Angeles, works for an aerospace firm out there.”

  “Is he married?”

  “No.”

  He heard her soft sigh. “That’s too bad.”

  “Not necessarily.” Jake could feel himself tighten at the trend of the conversation. Did she constantly bring up marriage? Or was it his own heightened awareness of the institution that made it seem a favorite topic of conversation?

  “There are lots of happy marriages in the world, Jake. Why shouldn’t Boyd have one? Or you for that matter?” Kerry said gently.

  “There are many that are unhappy. What then? What if you have children and then can’t stand the way your life turned out. It’s unfair to dump that on children.”

  “It would be devastating. Is that how you felt when your mom left? Devastated?”

  “We’re not talking about me or my family.”

  “I think we are. It’s colored your entire view of family life. That and the woman in college.”

  Jake stared at her. Leaning forward, his eyes caught hers, held. “What do you know about a woman in college?” he asked, his tone deadly.

  Kerry sat up and glared back. “Don’t try to intimidate me, Mr. Hotshot Attorney. I knew you when you’d get all dirty practicing football and Mrs. Mulfrethy would yell at you to keep your muddy footprints off her clean kitchen floor. And I’m not some witness to be interrogated!”

  “Kerry,” his tone held a warning. What had she heard about Selena? And from whom?

  She dropped her gaze, and traced a pattern on the edge of the table. “I heard that you fell in love and the woman dumped you.”

  Jake almost winced. He waited for the crashing pain of betrayal, the sharp edge of bitter unhappiness. Startled, Jake found there was none. Selena had mattered so much to an impressionable young man that he thought he’d suffer from her defection forever. Now he had trouble even remembering what she looked like. Had her hair been medium brown, or darker? What color were her eyes?

  He had no trouble envisioning Kerry, even when they’d been apart for a long time. Her light brown hair had golden highlights that drew the eye. Her dark brown eyes changed with her emotions. Suddenly Jake wondered what they would look like when she was making love. Would they glow with inner fire?