Will’s arms came around her waist from behind. His lips found her nape. “Not yet,” he whispered.
Her heart thudded. His bare chest pressed against her back, sending a quiver through her limbs, as his hands explored parts of her body he hadn’t yet touched: her swimsuit-covered navel and hip bones, her exposed ribs and upper thighs. Living up to his gentlemanly reputation, he avoided the areas she longed for him to touch the most.
His caresses disappeared as he backed away. “Then you didn’t mind me doing that?”
Charlotte faced him. He’d discarded his sunglasses and regarded her with an intensity that made her acutely aware of her admission of experience. There was also vulnerability, as if he feared he’d crossed a boundary and now awaited her rejection.
She flashed a reassuring smile. “I didn’t mind. In fact, I might’ve enjoyed it.”
His face relaxed.
She lowered her gaze to fully appreciate Will in his swimsuit. She paused at his torso. Beneath the scant hair, a jagged scar ran from his chest to his navel, the skin pink and puckered. She traced its path with her forefinger and frowned. Having been his nurses’ aide, she had seen the wounds from Will’s crash when they were freshly stitched and bandaged. Even so, she hadn’t expected them to leave such prominent scars so many months later.
He scowled. “They look unsightly, don’t they? They’re fading, little by little.”
Charlotte shook her head. “They make you look brave.” She grabbed his hand so he wouldn’t ruminate on his injuries. “Come on, let’s go swimming.”
The bay was colder than she remembered. By the time the water reached her waist, she shrieked and shivered. While she raised her arms to keep as much of her upper body as dry as possible, Will dove beneath the surface immediately, his form a shadow in the murky water. He reappeared in front of her, drops of water rolling down his skin.
He pushed his wet hair out of his eyes. “It feels nice.”
She crossed her arms and rubbed her shoulders. “Are you kidding? It’s freezing!”
He laughed and fell to his knees so only his head poked up above the surface. “You’ll get used to it quickly. If you don’t do it yourself, I’ll have to drag you under.”
“You wouldn’t.”
He grabbed her ankle, and she jumped in surprise.
“Fine! I’ll do it myself.” She stared at the water, steeling herself for the chill. “On the count of three.”
Will counted on her behalf. “One . . . two . . . three.”
Charlotte pinched her nose, buckled her knees, and plunged into the bay. When she surfaced, she inhaled a deep breath and wiped her eyes. “You were right. The water feels pretty good.”
“I told you so.” Will reached for her waist and pulled her nearer to him. “Come here.”
She wrapped her legs around his hips and held onto his shoulders. She studied his face: the cleft in his chin, the tiny scar above his right eyebrow, the dark eyelashes framing his green eyes.
“I’m so glad I met you,” she said. “I feel guilty for being grateful, though, since you had to be terribly injured in order for us to meet.”
“Don’t feel guilty, darling.” Will swept a piece of her hair from her forehead. “I’d do it all over again if I knew I’d get you at the end of it.”
She arched her eyebrow. “Even a fractured leg?”
He nodded. “Even a fractured leg.”
Her smile widened. “You must love me a lot, then.”
“I do.” Will cupped the nape of her neck and drew her even closer. His lips parted, and Charlotte met them eagerly, unleashing her constrained desire from their earlier encounter. As his tongue coaxed her lips open, his hand traveled down her spine and to her rear. He lifted her further up into his lap.
She ceased her squirming when she felt him between her thighs. She opened her eyes and sought his. Her fingertips grazed his jawline. “Do you want to make love to me?”
He regarded her intently. “Of course.”
“Good. Because I want you to,” she whispered.
Will released her. “Not here.”
Charlotte smiled faintly. “I know.”
Despite the progress they’d made in their physical relationship, she could no longer contain her frustration. She held her breath and sunk beneath the surface, letting the bay envelope her body and restore her sensibilities. She remained submerged, her eyes squeezed shut, until her lungs demanded air.
When she resurfaced, Will was standing. She joined him on her feet, pulled her hair to the side, and twisted out the excess water. “I’m cold. Let’s sunbathe.”
They waded out of the bay, set their towels on the sand, and lay next to one another. He took her hand in his and rested it on his abdomen. She closed her eyes and let the sunshine warm her skin. She tried to ignore her yearning for him, though it proved impossible when he lay so close to her in such a secluded area.
The faint, staccato whirl of a motor interrupted her thoughts. She opened her eyes and shielded the sunlight with her hand. A red plane flew a couple hundred yards above them, heading north along the coastline.
She nudged Will’s arm. “Darling, what kind of plane is that?”
He scrutinized the aircraft. “Looks like an old Davis. You see how there’s only one set of wings above the fuselage? It’s called a parasol wing. They were popular in the twenties.”
“What kind of plane is yours?”
“A Stearman. It’s newer but slower. Double wings produce more drag.”
The aircraft disappeared from sight, and they were left in silence. She glanced at Will. “Have you figured out what you’ll do with your plane?”
“Not yet.” He cleared his throat. “Where’d you find this place?”
Charlotte frowned at the abrupt subject change. Two months had passed since they visited Connecticut, and Will hadn’t made any arrangements to have his plane transferred. She feared if he didn’t do it soon, he’d continue to put it off indefinitely. Nevertheless, she answered his question without further comment.
“My dad grew up in this area.” She motioned down the beach. “My grandparents had a little cottage around the bend. They lost it during the depression, but we’ve been vacationing here ever since. It’s only a couple hours outside the city, and my dad’s never been able to take much time off work.”
“And have you taken all your other beaux here?”
She flipped onto her stomach, propping herself up with her elbows. Her fingers combed through his hair. “There haven’t been many.”
“Hmm . . . Me, Nick, and who else?”
“Just one boy in high school . . . no one for you to worry about. It was short-lived.”
“Did you bring Nick here?”
Charlotte withdrew her fingers. “Yes, once.” She rolled over and collapsed onto her back, staring at the blue sky. Her brow furrowed. “Please don’t make me feel ashamed about that. It was a long time ago, and I shouldn’t have to apologize.”
Will sat up and kissed her shoulder. “I’m sorry. It was an innocent question.”
“Good.” She ran her fingers through his hair again. “Because I love you.”
He positioned himself above her. “I love you, too.” His lips trailed up to the crook of her neck. Her eyes closed as his caresses brought her nearer to her breaking point.
She gently pushed him away. “Do you have plans next weekend?”
Will lay next to her and dragged his fingertips along her arm instead. He shrugged. “The same as every other weekend . . . working Saturday and seeing you Sunday. What would you like to do?”
“Could you adjust your schedule and leave work early on Saturday evening?”
“Probably. Why?”
“We could go out to dinner.” Her cheeks heated. “Then . . . I don’t know . . . perhaps we could get a hotel room and stay the night.”
Will’s expression remained unreadable. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”
She sighed. “Darling, I want you to want it, also.”
This time, Will didn’t conceal his grin. He leaned in and kissed her lightly. “Believe me, I do.” He tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’ll make the necessary arrangements.”
Thirty
With shaky hands, Charlotte pulled her mother’s car into the Adlers’ driveway and parked in front of the steps to the veranda. She turned off the engine, removed her driving gloves, and turned to Natalie, who sat in the passenger seat. “Thank you again for joining me this afternoon. I appreciate it.”
“Well, you said you needed a favor.” Natalie shifted on the leather seat and recrossed her legs. “Are you planning on telling me why I’m joining you for tea with Mrs. Adler? I haven’t seen her since the engagement party.”
Charlotte wrung her hands in her lap. She’d dreaded this moment for months. “I need to tell her about Will, and you need to make sure I go through with it.”
Natalie crinkled her nose. “You haven’t told her yet? Don’t you visit her once a month? What else have you been talking about?”
“Everything except Will.” Charlotte looked at the front door and straightened her posture. “Let’s get this over with.”
Tea service had been laid out for Charlotte, Natalie, and Mrs. Adler on the rear patio of the estate. A white linen tablecloth covered a circular table, along with fine china and a small vase of fresh mums. The weather had cooled in the past week, and there was a slight chill in the air.
“I’m so glad you could join us, Natalie.” Mrs. Adler reached for the porcelain pitcher of rationed cream. “How was your summer? I presume you returned to Michigan to see your family? How are they?”
Natalie bowed her head. “Yes, ma’am. My summer was splendid. It was nice to see my family. My kid brother has grown up so much. He’s taller than me now! But as much I love them, I prefer Washington to Grand Rapids, so I’m glad to be back.”
“What will you do after graduation? Will you stay here?”
“I’m going to become a schoolteacher,” Natalie replied. “My dream is to become a writer, but they need teachers so badly, so I’ll write on the side.” She took a sip of her tea. “And yes, I’ll try to find a job somewhere in D.C. After all, my friends are here . . . and John, whenever he returns.”
“How is John?” Mrs. Adler’s blue eyes dimmed with concern. “I saw his mother at a fundraising event a couple months ago. She’d just received a letter from him after the Sicily invasion, and she was relieved. But that’s the last I’ve heard of his well-being.”
“The letter I received yesterday indicates he’s well. They’re still in Sicily, but the regiment has been put into reserve, so thankfully John’s no longer on the front lines.” Natalie shrugged. “He doesn’t like writing about the war, though, so I don’t know many details. Most of my knowledge comes from the newspapers and radio.”
“Well, please be sure to let him know Jim and I are thinking about him.” Mrs. Adler looked wistfully at the manicured lawn. “Goodness, it seems like only a few years ago he and Nick were playing out here, pretending to be cowboys . . . mere children.”
Charlotte dropped her gaze to her teacup. Only a few months ago did Mrs. Adler cease her recollections of Nick’s childhood during their visits. It was no surprise that talking about John would rekindle her nostalgia.
Natalie cleared her throat quietly. “So . . . Charlotte tells me you’ve been doing a lot of fundraising lately. How’s that going?”
Mrs. Adler’s eyes brightened. “It’s been going really well. We’ve been blessed with a fortunate station in life, and I’ve been taking full advantage by planning events for the Washington society circles. All donations directly benefit our boys overseas.”
Natalie nodded. “That’s fantastic.”
“You know, I’m looking for assistance planning this year’s Christmas fundraiser, if you’d like to volunteer. It wouldn’t be too time-consuming. And Charlotte, I know you’re busy with the Red Cross, but if you have some spare time, maybe you could help us.”
Natalie grinned. “I’d love to. I’m always looking for new ways to help out, and I have plenty of experience planning events after all the war bond drives.”
Charlotte nodded. “Let me know how I can help.”
“Wonderful! I’ll contact you in a couple days, and we can get started.” Mrs. Adler replenished her tea. “And how are you, Charlotte? What’s new?”
Charlotte blanched. She’d taken for granted that Natalie controlled the conversation so far. The time to tell Mrs. Adler about Will had finally arrived. “Oh, not too much. My time’s been divided between classes and working at the hospital.”
Natalie arched her eyebrows. “Not much?”
Charlotte resisted the urge to glower at her friend. After all, this was the reason she invited Natalie along. Instead, she met Mrs. Adler’s inquisitive gaze. “Well, I do have news to share with you. You see, I’ve met a young man, and we’ve been seeing each other for a few months.”
Mrs. Adler’s smile faltered briefly. “I see. Tell me about this young man.”
“His name is William Kendrick. I met him while volunteering at the hospital.”
“So he’s in the Army?”
Charlotte picked up her cup. The tea rippled from her trembling hand. She set the cup back onto the saucer. “He was with the Army Air Forces. He’s been medically discharged from the military because he broke his leg in an airplane crash in Europe and has a slight limp.”
Mrs. Adler sipped her tea. “He’s lucky to be alive.”
“I tell him so all the time.”
“Are you happy?”
Charlotte nodded.
Mrs. Adler sighed. “Well then, I’m happy for you. I still wish you were my daughter-in-law, but I know that’s now impossible. You deserve to move on.”
Once they finished their tea, Charlotte and Natalie said their good-byes and returned to the car. In the privacy of the automobile, Charlotte rested her head on the seatback. “Thank goodness that’s over.”
Natalie chuckled. “It wasn’t that bad. She took it well. I’d forgotten how nice she is. I wish John’s mother were that nice to me. Instead I have to withstand her passive-aggressiveness every time I see her.” She turned on the radio as Charlotte drove from the driveway. “You said Will doesn’t have a family?”
“Well, his father is still alive, but Will refuses to see him.”
“At least you don’t have to worry about gaining parental approval.” Natalie crossed her legs. “Speaking of Will, Sandra and Evelyn have wondered why you’re not letting them meet him. And I am, too. I only met him that one time, hardly enough to form an opinion of him either way.”
“Let’s do something next weekend,” said Charlotte. “You can get a group together and we can go dancing. That’ll be fun, and everyone will get to meet him.”
Natalie clasped her hands together. “Swell! Maybe next Saturday? I’ll talk to the girls about it this evening. I know they’ll agree to it.”
“And I’ll ask Will tonight.”
Natalie removed a mirror and a tube of lipstick from her pocketbook. “What are your plans tonight? I think Evelyn and I are going out somewhere together. Maybe we’ll hit the USO. I’m trying to cheer her up since George left. I don’t think it’ll work but, you know, it’s worth a try.”
A grin spread across Charlotte face. “He’s taking me to the Willard tonight for dinner.”
“A hotel restaurant? Swanky!”
“And then”—Charlotte turned her head to watch Natalie’s reaction—“we’re spending the night . . . together. So don’t wait up.”
Natalie lowered her compact and gaped. “That means what I think it means, right?”
“Do you disapprove?”
“No. Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I’m a prude. In fact, I’m a bit jealous. Whenever John comes home I plan on putting that status behind me. But alas, the war still hasn’t been won.” Natalie huffed. “You and Will are getting serious then, huh?”
“I wouldn
’t have suggested a hotel room if we weren’t. I’m not fast!”
“And it was your idea? You continue to surprise me, Charlotte, even after all these years.”
“Will never would’ve proposed it for fear of impropriety. I had to take matters into my own hands.”
Natalie giggled. “Sounds like you’ll be taking something else into your hands tonight, if you know what I mean.”
Charlotte joined in Natalie’s laughter, though her cheeks flamed. “Anyway, I’m glad this is over. Mrs. Adler was the last person I needed to tell. Now everyone knows about my relationship with Will. Finally.” She grinned.
“Not everyone. John doesn’t know about Will yet.”
Charlotte’s eyes darted to Natalie, her relief spoiled by the confession. “I thought you would’ve told him by now. Why haven’t you?”
“Well, I didn’t want to say anything without your explicit permission.” Natalie spoke her next words quietly. “Besides, he and Nick were best friends. It wouldn’t surprise me if he still felt loyal to Nick and viewed your relationship with Will as a betrayal to Nick’s memory.”
Charlotte’s grip tightened on the steering wheel. “That’s not fair. If Nick were still alive . . .” She shook her head. “I refuse to think about that.”
“I’m sorry.”
Charlotte’s head ached. “You don’t feel that way, do you?”
“No, of course not. You know I’ve been fully supportive of your relationship with Will.” Natalie sighed. “Listen, I’ll write John this evening and tell him. I’m sure he’ll understand. I’ll frame the explanation well.”
“Please do.”
As Charlotte continued their drive north, she fought the imaginary scenarios that invaded her thoughts. They were ones she’d succumbed to numerous times over the past several months, and each reflection resulted in immense feelings of guilt.
If Nick were alive, her life would certainly be different than it was today. Her connection with Will wouldn’t have been significant. He would’ve left Washington, D.C. as soon as he was discharged from the Army Medical Center, never to be heard from again. How could she wish her relationship with Will, the man she loved, never happened? On the other hand, she could never be glad Nick was killed.
Battle Hymns Page 18