“I think we’ll be okay. Just do whatever you normally do, please, Stanley.”
“I will, Miss Parker. We will make him well very soon. Do you wish me to set the coffee machine and leave snacks in the refrigerator?”
“Stanley, please call me Stacey. And yes to the coffee and snacks. See you in the morning.”
She went to peek at Cord and he held his hand out to her. Curling up against him on the sofa, they both went to sleep again.
After the first few days, Cord stopped wearing the sling and began to exercise his hand and lower arm. He made an appointment to have his stitches out in a few more days.
They continued to make love. It was a challenge to come up with ways to avoid hurting his wounds, but they were determined and very successful.
A week passed quickly with neither of them leaving the apartment. Stacey talked to her parents several times and Cord continued to improve every day.
Finally, while lying in bed one night in the dark, Cord told her what happened.
“I led a four-man team in to rescue the woman and young girl. Everything went as planned on the way in and while freeing the two hostages. But a guard wandered out of his expected position for some reason and spotted us during the exit. The shooting started. One of my men and I stayed to the rear to give the others a chance to get the woman and her kid out.”
Stacey stroked his chest and waited patiently for him to go on.
“Both of us were hit by gunfire, but we helped each other catch up with the group. Then we all made it to the pick-up point. We were evacuated to a hospital in a neighboring country as pre-planned. We were taken straight to surgery, but I don’t remember much about that or the first few days of being in the hospital. I suffered from blood loss and then a mild infection. They kept me pretty doped up.”
“So now you have two more wounds that will leave impressive scars,” Stacey teased him sleepily. “But you have to promise this is the end of the collection.”
“I will try very hard to avoid acquiring any more in the future,” he agreed.
The next morning, Cord demanded that Stanley add a steak to his usual eggs and toast and he began exercising in earnest.
Stacey was still suffering from fatigue, but she joined him for the stretches, sit-ups and a few less strenuous exercises.
Cord became desperate for a long soak in the hot tub, or at least a warm shower, rather than the sponge baths he had been limited to so far. After calling the doctor’s office and finding out about a new waterproof bandage that would stand up to a quick, moderately warm shower, Stacey sent Stanley out to buy some at the drugstore nearby.
Stacey carefully applied them over the stitches and helped Cord shower. He wanted to linger and she ended up shampooing his hair and soaping him to hurry him along. To get him out faster, she promised certain favors she promptly provided after she dried him and redressed his wounds. They took a nap then decided Cord was well enough for them to go out for the afternoon.
Cord insisted they visit a furniture store he saw featured in an ad in the paper. He chose a very large black leather recliner and a white wooden rocker arranging to have them delivered. Then he asked the cab driver to take them on a driving tour to the harbor.
Stacey was thrilled to see the Statue of Liberty in the distance and he promised her a dinner cruise once his stitches were out.
Cord saw her hiding a yawn after they were out for several hours and ordered the cab to take them home. “I’m tired, Stacey,” he gave as an excuse. “The store’s going to send the chairs. You need to tell the deliverymen where to put them.”
Insisting they take another nap, he led her to the bedroom and snuggled with her until she fell asleep. He was a little worried about her, but he wasn’t letting her get a lot of sleep at night. Maybe he was being too demanding, but he needed her and she seemed to need him almost as much. He didn’t always start things, either. Stacey was becoming quite aggressive at times, as she became more comfortable with him and her sexuality. Several nights recently her hands roaming his body awakened him. It was difficult to let her explore at first, but he finally relaxed with the idea and now enjoyed every minute of it.
Hearing the phone buzz and the noise at the door a few minutes later, Cord shook Stacey awake. “The delivery men are here, sweetheart. You need to get up.”
“Mmmm, I’m so tired,” she stretched lazily and stood up. “I could use a gallon of coffee. Let me freshen up and I’ll be right there.” She moved unsteadily to the bathroom. Her coffee was waiting for her when she entered the living room.
The workmen were already bringing in the new chairs and removing the shipping covers. Stacey asked them to place the recliner near the glass wall with its back toward the bar and the rocker beside it to complete the seating arrangement.
Stanley saw the men out while Cord tried out his first recliner. With the blinds open he could look out over the city and also see the TV. “This is great, Parker. I could definitely sit here and get fat and lazy. You are a bad influence.”
“McConnell, we know who the bad influence is around here. But I do have the urge to be really bad. I’ve heard an awful lot about New York pizza. Could we order one in for dinner?”
“Why, Parker. You’re being positively evil,” he teased. He clutched his hand over his heart. “Whatever will Stanley think?”
“Stanley will think what?” the houseman asked as he came into the area.
“Stacey has suggested that we order pizza, which means you could leave early today. A really bad, evil thing, right?” Cord tried to keep a straight face.
“Miss Stacey. I am surprised. Think of the sodium, the cholesterol, and the calories,” Stanley shook his head at her. “And the horror of an early day for me. I would not know what to do. Perhaps my friends would take pity and invite me out.” He ruined his delivery with a broad smile.
Cord laughed at the look of astonishment on Stacey’s face resulting from them both joking with her. “Consider yourself off for the evening, Stanley. What’s the name of that pizza place near here?”
The two men discussed the best place to get the pizza.
Stanley wrote the number down for Cord while Stacey relaxed and rocked in the new white rocker.
She needed to get some cushions for it, she decided. Maybe in teal, with a black design of some sort. They still needed the antique ice bucket or a bar lamp, but they would get them eventually. Oddly content just being here with Cord, Stacey didn’t miss her parents or her work as much as she thought she might.
Late that evening, Cord and Stacey pigged out on pizza, soda, and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies in front of the TV. Then they snuggled into the recliner together and watched a movie. After it was over, Stacey opened the blinds and they sat in the dark watching the lights of the city.
Watching her as she drifted off to sleep, Cord saw faint smudges under her eyes and noticed her skin looked so pale it appeared translucent. Concerned, he wondered if it was fair of him to keep her away from her family and job. Maybe the noise and the pollution of New York weren’t good for her. Surely she would tell him if she were unhappy. She was so honest about everything. But then again, if she thought he might send her away... God, I really suck at relationships. They were going to have to talk.
He fully intended to put a ring on her finger to keep the wolves away and to show her how he felt. It should be soon, he decided, and fell asleep holding her.
During Cord’s doctor visit, his stitches were removed and he was told he could increase his physical activities, but not return to work yet. Once in the cab, he whispered the type of activities he had in mind into Stacey’s ear and was rewarded with a giggle. As they rode through town, he suddenly ordered the driver to pull over and wait. He pulled Stacey from the car and into a small, but exclusive, jewelry shop. This couldn’t wait any longer or he would lose his nerve.
A smartly dressed clerk behind the large display case offered immediate assistance. Cord asked him to give them a minute a
nd drew Stacey away to the other side of the shop.
“What’s wrong, Cord?” Stacey became disturbed at the intense, serious look on his face.
“I’m not sure—what I mean is...” he paused and rubbed a hand through his hair. “I want you to wear my ring. I don’t want other men thinking you’re available.” Softening his tone, he went on, “Sweetheart, I’ve never asked a woman to wear my ring before and I’m doing a lousy job.”
“No, you’re not. I would be honored to wear your ring, as long as it means that other women are off limits, too.” She reached out and played with a button on the front of his shirt. “Does this mean we’re getting serious?”
“I think that’s what it means. Are you happy here with me, Stacey? Would you tell me if you weren’t?” He drew her closer and looked down into her large blue eyes.
“I love you, Cord and I’m happy wherever you are.” She smiled and reached up to give him a kiss. “The only problem I have is knowing you’ll have another job and I’ll have to go back to work. We’ll be apart again. But, we’ll work it out, somehow, won’t we?.”
“We will definitely work it out. I’m not giving you up. Now, woman, let’s pick out a ring.” He led her back to the clerk.
Cord chose a large, flashy diamond and Stacey chose a small, discreet one Cord said he couldn’t see without a magnifying glass.
Finally, the clerk offered a compromise as they continued to reject each ring he showed them. From another tray, he selected an almost flawless marquise-cut diamond surrounded by small blue sapphires.
Cord took it from the clerk as Stacey’s eyes lit up and slid it on the ring finger of her left hand. As if designed especially for her, it was a perfect fit and shape for her slender finger. “It’s almost as beautiful as you,” he told her and kissed her passionately as the clerk stood waiting.
“We’ll take it,” Cord told the man then returned to kissing Stacey.
Stacey wore the ring after Cord took care of the financial dealings with the smiling clerk. Looking at it frequently, she still couldn’t believe it as the cab took them back to the apartment. She showed it to Wilkes and was walking quickly toward Ben when the dizzy spell hit.
Stopping and turning toward Cord as the floor around her tilted and swayed, she reached out her hand. “Cord,” she whispered and melted toward the floor as her legs gave out then everything went black. When she opened her eyes, she was lying on the floor with Cord holding her and Wilkes and both guards bending over them.
Wilkes was patting the back of one hand and Ben was fanning a paper in front of her face. She tried to move to push her hair away, but Cord wouldn’t let her. “Lie still, Stacey. What happened?” He touched her face gently and pushed her hair back for her.
“I don’t know. I was just so dizzy. Everything got all out of kilter then—it sort of faded out. I feel okay now, really. Let me up, Cord,” she insisted and tried to push out of his arms.
Wilkes suggested, “Maybe it was all the excitement, sir. Women are like that sometimes. Do you hurt anywhere, Miss Parker?”
“No, I’m really okay. You’re probably right, Wilkes. Cord surprised me.” She finally reached a sitting position as Cord loosened his hold. Smiling at the men around her, she moved her arms and legs. “See, nothing is wrong. I’m not hurt at all.”
“Well, we’re taking it slow to be on the safe side. Then you’re going to bed...to rest,” he added at her impish smile. “If this happens again, you’re going straight to a doctor,” Cord insisted and kept his arm around her waist as they walked to the elevators. If it hadn’t been for his recently injured shoulder, he would have picked her up and carried her. She seemed steady enough, but once in the apartment he made her get into her shorts and tank top and straight into bed. He refused to join her, knowing she wouldn’t go to sleep if he did.
Stanley brought in a tray later with hot tea, tiny sandwiches, vegetable sticks, and various cookies and snacks. He slid it onto the dresser and was leaving when she woke up and stopped him.
“It’s okay. I’m awake, Stanley. Where’s Cord?” She sat up in bed and smiled as she saw the glimmer of her ring. “Did you see my ring, Stanley?”
Stanley stepped closer and inspected the ring, face beaming. “It is truly a ring of much beauty. This means you will stay now, yes? Mr. McConnell is watching the television. He said he must leave you alone. He has been overtaxing your strength.” Stanley picked up the tray and brought it to the bed for her. “Perhaps if you explain the delicate time of month to him, he will not feel guilty. If you wish me to visit the drugstore, I have done so often for my sister. I am not embarrassed to purchase such products as you may require. Please to call out if you require anything, Miss Stacey.”
“Stanley, wait. What is the date?” she asked softly.
“It is June sixteenth.”
“Thanks,” she mumbled, sipped at the hot tea, and started doing mental calculations. Stacey never noticed when Stanley left the room. Cord first made love to her over a month ago. Six weeks, by her calculations. They should have had a week already when they couldn’t. Then that is what’s wrong. She had skipped her monthly cycle before and it did make her sick. When Sammy died and again when she had the flu.
That’s why I’m so tired and was dizzy today. Her system was out of sync and she would have to visit the doctor for some of those pills to force her cycle to get back on track. The emotional distress over Marcus being kidnapped and the ups and downs of being with Cord obviously created the problem. Feeling better now since she figured out what was wrong with Stanley’s help, she ate, moved the tray, and went back to sleep.
As Stanley went through the living room on his way to the kitchen, Cord looked up from the baseball game he was trying to watch. “Is she sleeping?”
“Not at the moment, but she did sleep, I believe, sir. She is drinking her tea.” Stanley walked over to stand by the recliner. “Mr. McConnell, you are aware our Miss Stacey is at a delicate time of the month?”
Cord looked at the houseman strangely then slapped his hand down on the chair arm. “I’m so stupid, Stanley. I should have known. Why didn’t she tell me? Never mind—don’t answer that. Thank you, Stanley. You can leave whenever you’re ready. I think I can handle it from here.”
“Goodnight, Mr. McConnell. The next few days will be long.” Stanley grimaced as he thought of how emotional his sister became at this time and went to take care of the kitchen before he left.
Cord flipped channels on the TV but couldn’t keep his mind off Stacey. It’s definitely going to be a long week. Being near Stacey and not having her. Other couples make it through and it’s something I better get used to. In the meantime, they would talk and cuddle and look forward to the end of the week. Stacey would be able to catch up on her rest.
She came looking for him in the middle of the night. He was in the recliner dozing when she slid into his lap. Without thinking and half-asleep, he began undressing her. She never protested and he didn’t stop until they were both satisfied. Smiling contentedly, she laid her head on his bare chest and fell asleep in his arms. He took her left hand and stared at the ring he placed on her finger earlier. If he kept making love to her without protection, there would be a wedding band joining it way before he was ready.
“Stacey, sweetheart, wake up. We should talk a minute.” He gently tugged on her hair to turn her face up to his.
“What is it? Is something wrong, Cord?” She stirred and opened her eyes.
“Maybe you should see a doctor, soon. If we’re going to live together...”
“I was thinking that earlier. I’ll call tomorrow,” Stacey agreed sleepily.
“It would definitely be a relief if you get on some kind of birth control. If I keep messing up, we’ll have a situation I don’t think we’re ready for.”
“I know I should help you remember, but I get so carried away,” she nuzzled into his neck. “I can’t even think where I am sometimes. I think you could make love to me in the middle of the st
reet at rush hour and I wouldn’t notice.” Stacey kissed under his chin and down his throat.
He started tickling her and they tumbled out of the chair onto the rug. “I could make love to you on the street and you wouldn’t notice, huh?”
“No, no! Cord, stop!” she giggled. “The place—I wouldn’t notice the place,” she clarified. When he rolled on top of her and held her down to nibble her ear, she arched into him and they both forgot everything for quite a while.
The next morning, Stacey called a doctor at the group where Cord’s stitches were removed. An afternoon appointment was available with their general practitioner due to a cancellation and she took it. She was beginning to feel bloated and queasy from not having her monthly and the sooner she could get it straightened out the better. When Cord offered to accompany her, she felt embarrassed over her problem and told him she’d rather go alone.
At the office, she filled out the forms stating her prior medical history, which wasn’t lengthy. Then she was given a fairly complete physical examination to make sure her problem was actually a skipped cycle. A nurse drew blood then Stacey was allowed to get dressed before being shown to the doctor’s private office for his diagnosis.
A little over an hour later, Stacey was in a cab headed back to the apartment. She looked at the ring on her finger and twisted it nervously as tears slid down her cheeks. Brushing them hastily away when the cab stopped and Wilkes hurried to open her door, she managed a smile and went inside. After signing for her key, she went up to the apartment, but didn’t find Cord. She went to the kitchen.
“Stanley, where’s Cord?”
“He said he must go to the bank and to a meeting. He did not expect you so soon. Everything is okay?” Stanley looked concerned.
“I’m very healthy. I really am okay,” Stacey tried to reassure him.
“Female problems?” he asked with a knowing smile. “You should rest.”
“You could definitely say that, Stanley,” she agreed. “I think I will go rest in the bedroom.”
Surviving With Love Page 33