by Muncy, Janet
“Did you turn him down on his proposal tonight?”
“Carl, I really don’t know what you’re talking about, what do you mean proposal? Kevin didn’t propose to me. I didn’t even see him.”
“I heard him talking to you on the phone tonight. I heard him asking you to dinner. After he hung up, he told me you were some special girl, and he was going to ask you to marry him.” Grabbing her shoulders tightly, he dug his long fingers into her flesh. “You will not hurt him again, even if he never walks do you understand me?” With fire deep in his eyes, he sharply let her go and turned and left her standing in the hall by herself.
January didn’t remember how long she stood there only the doctor said she should go home.
“Kevin will be asleep for hours, before the sedative wares off, and their able to see how extensive his injuries really are.”
January called a cab and went home. It was six thirty, by the time she usually got up to go to work. There wasn’t any sense trying to sleep, she couldn’t anyway. She might as well go to work. Her life was turning into a confused mess and she didn’t know where to began to fix it.
“What are you doing here, you were supposed to take the day off?” Mary asked following her into the office.
“I know, but Carl phoned me at four thirty this morning and came and got me. Kevin had a car accident, and he thought I would want to know.”
“Oh my gosh! How is he?” Mary grabbed her mouth.
“I really don’t know, they had him all bandaged up and tubs running everywhere. The doctor said they would know more some time today.”
Later that afternoon, January called the hospital. They had taken Kevin off the critical list and he was listed in satisfactory condition. But she couldn’t see him, only the immediate family.
Chapter 13
Getting prepared for the aerobic competition was getting tougher and tougher. January knew if she could get these girls in shape by next Saturday, there would be every chance of winning. For these girls were her best yet.
She was just finishing class when she noticed Carl entered through the club door.
“You haven’t been to the hospital since I took you there. What are you trying to do, cause him to die? Don’t you care at all?” He raved, causing several people to stare at him.
“As a matter of fact Mr. Richards, I called the hospital and they wouldn’t let me see him. Only the immediate family was allowed in.” January glared at him.
He stood looking at her for several seconds before speaking. “Please accept my apology. I didn’t realize.” He lowered his head.
Just the reaction, caused January’s heart to go out to him. It looked as though he hadn’t slept at all, and the circles under his eyes showed how tired he was. But she also couldn’t let him get away with the way he was treating her.
“Look, why don’t you just leave me alone, I don’t need you coming around here acting like I have no feelings for anyone. I do you know.”
“Look, I said I was sorry,” He caught her arm, turning her toward him.” Really, I’m sorry. Let me make amends, let me buy your supper or a drink or something?” He nearly pleaded to her. “On scout’s honor, I won’t be rude, or beat you or man handle you,” He said quickly letting go of her arm.
“You were never a scout,” she said, a faint smile crossing her face.
“Oh, but I was, and a good one, thank you.” They both started laughing as she turned and headed for her office.
“I’ll take you up on your offer on one condition.” She stated flatly.
“Anything you say,” he bowed to her.
“I’ll drive.”
“You’ll drive? I can drive, I don’t trust women drivers, not to say I don’t trust you, but I don’t think my nerves can take it.” He shuffled his feet.
“I’ll drive.” She stated flatly again, this time merely raising her eyebrows at him.
He stood there stubbornly holding her glare. “Okay, okay, but please be careful with me, I break easy.” He gave in.
“I promise if you break it won’t be my fault.” She motioned for him to sit down while she went to the locker room to change her clothes.
They drove to the little steak house just down the street from the club. After ordering their drinks and looking over the menu, January took the opportunity to watch Carl closely. His hair was thick and seemed to always be in the perfect style, his eyebrows came together in the middle and his jawbone was precise and strong. His features were not hard but not soft. He was a man of determination. She was sure he was determined to get his way no matter what it took to get it.
“I understand you’re the maid of honor, for Mary’s wedding?” Carl broke the concentration.
“Yes, I guess I am.”
“Are you going to be staying out at the ranch with the rest of the wedding party?”
“Yes,” she answered again, thinking about staying with him for three days.
“We all hope Kevin will be there too,” Carl said, watching her reaction.
“I hope so too,” she lowered her head. “Will Kathy be there?” she asked.
“I really don’t know, I assume so.”
January wished he would quit watching her so intently, she couldn’t ever tell what he was thinking.
January almost laughed out loud at the face Carl made in the car as they pulled out of the parking lot from the restaurant. Carl made a point to put the seat belt on and held both sides of the seat for dear life. As she pulled the car up beside his in the Health Club parking lot she thought she heard a sigh of relief.
“Thanks for getting me back safely,” he said leaning over towards her.
“It was my pleasure, although I was sure you were going to rip the seat up with your hands.” she laughed.
“I’m just not use to women drivers. Although I must admit you didn’t even comb your hair or fix your make up once.” He laughed as he reached over to place a tender kiss on her cheek.
She wanted to kiss him back but thought better of it, knowing how he felt about Kevin. And the strange remake he made the night before. Getting out of her car, he waved bye.
The sound of the telephone startled her the next morning. She looked at the clock next to her bed and realized she had over slept. She picked up the receiver on the third ring when she heard Mary’s voice on the other end.
“Hi sleepy head, are you coming in today or are you going to sleep in?”
“I’m sorry, I guess I forgot to set my alarm last night, and I was having a dream.”
“It must have been some dream, you never over sleep.” Mary laughed.
January would have liked to tell her the dream was of Carl and yes it was a good dream, but Mary would want to hear all about it and January didn’t want to repeat any of it out loud. “I’ll be in as soon as I can get there.” she said putting the phone on the hook.
Mary followed her into the office when she arrived. “You look terrible, are you sure you’re not coming down with something?”
“Thanks I really needed that,” January said, with a sigh. “I guess I just had a restless night, and then over sleeping on top of that, what can I say?”
“I hate to give you more bad news on such a lousy day, but the comptrollers’ office called and wants you to call them back ASAP.” Mary said, handing her the message. “I’ll get back to work, yell if you need me.”
January sat, staring at the message. She knew what he was going to say. Taxes needed to be paid on the club, or employment taxes were not right. Whatever it was she had no desire to talk to him. She put her elbow’s on the desk, and her head in her hands. What she really needed was a vacation from it all. Maybe she could get Mary to take over managing the club again for a while She could go somewhere and rest. Maybe a few months, the club could almost run itself.
After a few minutes she put the call through to the comptrollers’ office. There was a click and a strange high pitched voice came on the line.
“Miss Manson, I’m sure you’re w
ondering why I wanted to talk to you?” Not waiting for her answer, he continued. “I’m sure you realize the taxes on your health club are grossly over due. You simply must comply with the regulations to continue to operate.”
“Mr. Sims, I’m very much aware of the regulations, I’m in the process of having my accountant contact you on this matter. The last letter you sent me only stated you wanted a list of employees and payroll. I sent you that list, along with a letter, did you not receive it?”
“Apparently not or I wouldn’t be calling. I’ll check with my secretary, I’m not a hard man Miss Manson, I only comply with the rules, and my job is to see that everyone is doing the same.”
“I understand Mr. Sims,” bidding him a good bye. January got out of her chair and walked up to the big map of Houston city limits that hung on the wall behind her desk.
“Are you looking for a way out of Texas, Miss Manson?”
Startled, she spun around only to see Carl filling the door way. His broad shoulders almost touching the sides of the frame.
“Do you always barge into someone’s office or just mine?” she snapped. Not really meaning to be rude, but Carl caught her off guard and she quickly apologized.
“Well, I really didn’t barge in, Mary wasn’t around and I did knock before I entered. You must have been in deep concentration?” He said closing the door firmly behind him. January took a deep breath before she trusted herself to speak. Just way the room seemed to fill with his presents was over powering.
“What can I do for you Mr. Richards?”
“May I sit down?” He smiled at her from across the room. Taking a chair and pulling it closer to the desk. January nodded her head and sat down, realizing her knees were getting weak just standing there with him so near.
“You and I haven’t talked much about the plans for the new addition, I thought I would stop by and see if you’ve made any changes.”
“I’m sorry, I guess I’ve been a little busy lately, but I’ve made no changes, it’s just what I want, and the sooner they get started the better.”
“Good, I was hoping you would say that, we will get started tomorrow, and just maybe it will all be done before BJ’s and Mary’s wedding.” He said, standing, and folding the papers on her desk. “You know we only have two more weeks.”
Two weeks for what January wasn’t quite sure what he was talking about. Was it two weeks for Mary and BJ or Kathy and him?
“Yes just two weeks and our best friends will be married and as they should be.” Carl continued.
“Yes, it should be some occasion.”
January followed him to the door, and he stopped for only a second watching her intently as though he had something else to say before changing his mine and nodding his goodbye.
The week had started off with construction and workers everywhere. But January had so much to do with the aerobic competition the up coming week-end, she barely had time to say two words to Carl, as he took full charge in seeing his men were getting the job done to her liking. But it seemed like she would know every time he would be in the area. Just the sound of his voice would be exciting.
It was Friday, she needed to open some mail, do some books, and write pay roll checks. She wanted to get out of there early so she could get a little rest before the aerobic competition tomorrow. It was six thirty when Carl strolled through the office door.
“Hi, I know it’s short notice, but would you like to have dinner with me tonight?”
“Oh Carl, I think tonight I’ll just go home and rest I have the aerobic competition tomorrow, and I’m afraid I wouldn’t be much company.” She declined, hating herself for not spending what little time she could with him. “Besides I would need to change clothes and freshen up. I really think tonight is a bad one.”
“I’ll drive you home and you can rest on the way. We can pick up a pizza or some Chinese food, and I’ll fix dinner at your apartment.”
“I’ll need my car for tomorrow, the aerobic competition is at one o’clock, I need to be there at twelve.”
“I’ll pick you up and we’ll get it tomorrow. Now don’t argue, you don’t have the strength, and I won’t have to throw you over my shoulder, although, I’d enjoy it,” he started toward her.
“Oh no you don’t.” Afraid if she didn’t stop him, he would do just that. “I’ll go peacefully,” she grabbed her purse and headed for the door. Carl pushed it open for her, grinning from ear to ear. He put his hand on her arm as he walked toward his car. She seated herself on the velvety smooth seat and watched him as he walked around to the other side.
His tallness, the powerful movement of his muscular body, was almost more than she could stand. As he slipped in beside her. She could smell the musk odor of his cologne, still lingering after a long day. She had a strange feeling it was going to be a night to remember.
“January.” He said softly as he put his hand on her shoulder. “Your home.”
January looked up realizing she must have falling to sleep. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“That’s okay, I didn’t realize just how tired you really were.” He said helping her out of the car up the stairs.
“I have a good idea, why don’t you let me fix you dinner tonight. I’m a fairly good cook. That way you can relax in the tub for a few minutes, then enjoy a nice dinner without having to leave the apartment.”
“There’s nothing thawed out to fix.” January apologized. Remembering the food Carl had bought weeks ago. “And besides I can’t let you do that.”
“Why not? Are you afraid I can’t cook, or are you afraid, I may poison you?”
He said in a devilish tone.
“Okay, okay, I believe you. I’m not much for fighting tonight.” She laughed.
“Good, now take your time, I’ll find everything I need. You just go and do what ever women do when they bathe.” He said, slightly pushing her toward the bedroom.
Although the tub felt good, she was still very much aware of Carl in the next room. He was whistling and singing a happy tune.
Blow drying her hair she could smell stakes broiling, and the sound of Carl singing in the other room. She wondered if it were any other man how she would feel about the situation. She dismissed the thought. She really was going to have a nice evening even if she did feel a little feverish. Unwrapping the towel that covered her slender well shaped body she dusted herself with her favorite white shoulders power. She then pulled the caftan from the hanger. The garment was made of fine cotton. The oriental print, she loved was softly colored in dark yet exciting colors. As she pulled the caftan over her head she could feel the soft fabric slide over the fullness of her breast.
A touch of make-up, she smoothed her hair down and opened the door to enter the dinning room. On the table candles were burning and there was a fire in the fire place. Carl was standing there watched her as she entered.
“You shouldn’t have gone through so much trouble,” she said, in a low sexy voice.
“Believe me it was no trouble, besides I enjoyed it. By the way you look beautiful.” he said, not taking his eyes off of her.
“Thank you,” she said lowering her head from the twinkle she noticed in his dark green eyes.
“Would you like a drink? I’m afraid the only thing I have is brandy and white wine.” she offered him.
“You sit down, I’ve been known to fix a mean glass of white wine.” He said moving toward the kitchen.
“I’ll just bet you have.” January laughed.
January was standing in front of the fire place when he returned with the drinks. As he handed her the glass, their hands touched slightly. January looked up startled, for only a second. The electricity she felt was dangerously arousing.
“Let’s make a toast, to the competition tomorrow. May you win hands down, and to such a beautiful lady, may she always be as beautiful as she is tonight. And one more, I want to toast to our new friendship, may it be for always.”
As they touched gl
asses again, January remembered the wedding of him and Kathy coming up. I wonder how good of friends, we’re going to be after that.
“You seem to be in deep thought?” he questioned her.
She only smiled and headed back toward the dinning room.
“Well now, you sit down and relax. I must have a word with the chef. I don’t like my steaks over done,” he smiled, heading toward the kitchen.
“You probably eat yours raw, like a wild animal.” She giggled.
“What did you say.” He asked not really paying any attention to her.
“Nothing.” she giggled again.
They ate with little conversation she was very pleased he had made her steak just the way she liked it medium well.
“Tell me where did you learn to cook like that?” She asked as she carried her plate to the sink.
“I guess the maids and mother mostly. Although I camped out a lot and every true Texan knows how to cook. Besides, it was really trial and error.” He laughed.
Together they cleaned the kitchen. The nearness of him electrifying. They actually tried not to touch each other. Surely he didn’t feel the same way she did, finding it hard not to get to close.
“We work well together don’t we?” Carl asked, looking around the spotless kitchen.
“Not bad,” She smiled, looking around herself.
They walked into the living room, the fire had died down. “Let me fix you a drink and I’ll fix the fire.” He offered.
“Carl why are you doing this? You act as though this is your home and I’m the guest. I’ll fix the drinks.” She started to turn away, but he gently grabbed her arm.
“January, I know this is your home. But I feel I owe it to you for the way I acted the other night at the hospital. I at least want us to be friends if we can’t be anything else.” He lowered his head and turned slowly toward the fire place. Bending down to stir the logs.
Chapter 14
January had kicked off her shoes and curled her long legs under her. She was feeling pleasantly drowsy, but not yet ready for sleep. “This is very nice,” she murmured, softly.