Free Spirits

by Linda Wisdom

  “That will be my first task when I get home. I haven’t had too much time outside lately and I should have remembered to use some sun block.” He ignored the tight, itchy feeling to his skin as he grasped her wandering hand around the wrist.

  “I hope you enjoyed your day,” she whispered.

  “Very much. Perhaps next time we can play on the same team.”

  She felt as if there was something unspoken going on here. “It’s kind of difficult to have two shortstops on one team.”

  “I’m sure we could work it out.” His fingers rubbed in a circular motion against the tender spot on the underside of her wrist.

  “Yes, I guess so.” She felt mesmerized by his gaze and caress that sent signals up to her brain. How easy, just move forward a few inches, he’d move forward a few inches, and voila! Close enough to kiss. She discovered more and more she wanted to find out what kind of kisser he was. The car was in the shadows, the streetlights spaced far enough to offer them a bit of privacy. At the same time, this waiting, the anticipation only heightened her senses more. And judging by his rough breathing and tension, he felt the same way. If anyone dared ask her about Jason Palmer that moment, she would have looked at them blankly and asked, “Jason who?”

  “I guess I should go in,” she whispered, all the while feeling the exact opposite.

  Little did she know he would take her literally. He slowly released her arm and sat back. He climbed out of the car and walked around to the passenger door, assisting her out.

  “Thank you for driving me home,” she said, her voice trailing off. There was so much more she wanted to say, and she toyed with the idea of asking him inside.

  “Alexis?”

  She spun around at the sound of the familiar voice. “Jason?” Her mind went into overdrive. Had she forgotten a date they planned? Had her parents mixed up her schedule again? She didn’t stop to question her displeasure at seeing him so unexpectedly.

  Jason, immaculate as always, looked at her rumpled clothing, untidy ponytail and baseball cap with distaste. Her companion, just as disheveled, earned another curl of the lip.

  “I didn’t realize you had plans this evening,” he said stiffly.

  “Jason, this is Dr. Michael Duffy.” She decided it was best to ignore his remark.

  Jason barely nodded at him. “I thought you didn’t care to have anything to do with doctors.”

  She was stunned by his rudeness. Jason didn’t believe in being rude. At least, she had thought so until now. “Jason, what is wrong? This isn’t like you.”

  He continued looking at her as if Michael didn’t exist. “I’d like to talk to you privately.”

  Alex was torn. This was a Jason she wasn’t used to, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to spend any time alone with him. Besides, she had been about to invite Michael in for coffee when Jason appeared.

  “Well, it is late,” she murmured, shifting from one leg to the other. To be honest, she had no idea what time it was. Even if it wasn’t late, she knew she didn’t want Jason, in his present mood, in her apartment.

  Jason stuck his balled fists in his topcoat pocket. He easily read her mind. “I see.”

  “I’ll get going, Alex.” Michael touched her shoulder.

  She looked up. “Thanks for the ride.”

  “Any time.” He nodded at Jason and moved toward his car.

  “Could we go upstairs?” Jason requested.

  Deciding she wasn’t going to be able to get rid of him easily, Alex nodded and walked toward the front door. She wryly noticed that he made no move to get too close to her when they stepped into the elevator. She wondered what her parents would think when they saw him.

  “I can’t believe this!”’ Patrick was more than a little surprised when Alex walked in with Jason behind her. “What’s he doing here?”

  “You can’t tell me this man attended the softball game.” Marian looked at Alex. Her daughter’s stormy gaze eloquently informed her she’d explain later. “Obviously not.”

  “I can’t believe you could be so rude, Jason,” Alex said without preamble. “You acted as if I stood you up. I don’t believe we had an engagement this evening.”

  “Was he the doctor who treated you in the emergency room?” he demanded.

  “Yes, what about it?” Then it all became clear. “I see. Because I fell for one doctor, there’s a chance I would be stupid enough to fall for another. The man drove me home after a softball game. That was all.” She perched on the couch arm near him, wishing she had a few trade secrets of her own to banish the two blatant eavesdroppers standing by. She ignored the little voice inside her head that reminded her she would have done a great deal with the doctor if he’d cooperated!

  “Oh, don’t worry about us, dear,” Marian cooed, perching herself on the couch arm. “Just pretend we’re not here.”

  “I only wish I could,” Alex muttered.

  Jason looked up. “I beg your pardon?”

  “Nothing.”

  He drew back, looking at her dusty figure and cap perched on top of her head. “Wouldn’t you like to freshen up after your day of exercise?”

  Alex had had enough. After playing the worst game in her life she found herself growing more attracted to Michael by the minute. Then Jason showing up and acting even more like a boor than he had that night at dinner. His inference that she didn’t smell fresh as a daisy, even if it were true, was the absolute last straw.

  “Are you trying to say that I stink?”

  He wrinkled his nose. “I wouldn’t put it that way.”

  “But that’s what you mean,” she pressed, deliberately leaning closer. “Honestly, Jason, are you saying that you can play racquetball without working up a good sweat? I’ve been on a softball field all afternoon, and that kind of workout leaves one smelling less than desirable.” Except Michael’s aftershave still lingered along with the undertones of soap and pure male, her treacherous mind prompted. She quickly quashed that thought.

  It wasn’t until then that Alex truly realized how inflexible Jason was. She was beginning to see the man in a new, unflattering light.

  “I guess I should have telephoned first.”

  She closed her eyes and silently counted to ten. “I’m sorry, Jason. Our game didn’t go well and I appear to be taking it out on you.” Wait a minute, that same brain cell spoke up, he’s the one who was rude to Michael. He was the one who showed up here without warning, so why are you apologizing? “Would you care for a drink?” Don’t offer him a drink! Show him the door instead.

  Jason shook his head. “Basically I’m here because I have something to discuss with you.” The red tones in his face told her this subject wasn’t pleasant.

  “Yes?”

  Alex couldn’t remember ever seeing Jason look as uneasy as he did now. “I spoke to a colleague of mine today, Steve Taylor of Charles Daily and Associates.” He looked up.

  She had no idea where this was going. “Am I supposed to know the name?”

  He coldly pointed out, “Since he handles a fairly extensive portfolio for you, I would assume you’d be very familiar with his name. In fact, I was very impressed with the investments you’ve made the past couple years. Not to mention the ones left to you by your father.”

  “Oh, oh,” Patrick muttered, earning a freezing look from his daughter.

  “Jason, my business manager, Doug, handles all that. Although I happen to use the same broker my father did. What are you trying to get at? Is this Taylor unscrupulous or what?” She now wished she’d poured a drink for herself. A good stiff one.

  An atom bomb couldn’t have broken Jason’s outer shell. “Naturally, we rarely speak of the specifics regarding a client’s portfolios, but when he learned that you and I are involved, he was quick to point out he has been handling your investments for the past few years, and it didn’t take much to figure out the amount he handles for you.”

  She wished he would just spit it out. “Jason, I told you, my business manager is in char
ge of all that. Why don’t you cut to the chase? What is the problem here?”

  “I want you to transfer the portfolio over to me. Naturally I had no idea that your silly drawings brought in that kind of money, and Taylor has done quite well for you, but I know I can do much better.”

  Alex’s features tightened. “I do not appreciate you disparaging my work that way,” she coldly stated. “As for handing my portfolio over to you, my answer is very simple. No.”

  He was stunned as if he couldn’t believe she would reject his suggestion. “Why not?”

  “Because I go by Doug’s recommendations, and he hasn’t been wrong yet. As long as he’s happy with Raymond Taylor, so am I.” She saw no reason to tell him that her father’s investments left to her were specified to be handled by a certain broker or she lost them. She felt that was none of his business.

  His face flushed a deep color. “You sound as if you don’t trust me.”

  Alex had no desire to have this conversation how. She was still smarting from his remark about her “silly drawings.” “Jason, I don’t tell Doug what to do. He’s the expert in these matters.”

  He stood up, the movements jerky. “Once we’re married it would only be natural for me to handle your investments, but it appears you aren’t sure yet. Perhaps you should think on it and give me your decision on Monday when you’ve had time to calm down.” He stormed out of the apartment.

  “That man has something to hide,” Patrick announced, flopping down on the couch.

  Alex threw up her hands. “I’ve had it! What’s going to happen next?” She narrowed her eyes. “Great-aunt Sophie isn’t going to show up, is she? Because if she does, I’m definitely calling an exorcist.”

  “No, of course not,” Marian replied, running her fingers over Suzi Q’s sleek fur as the cat purred contentedly under the attention.

  “I can’t believe today! I’m suddenly seeing Michael Duffy as if he was the greatest thing since hot-fudge sundaes. And now this problem with Jason. If this is some kind of spell, I want it taken off right now.” She sliced the air with her hand.

  “Spell?” Patrick shook his head. “Alex, we can’t do any of that. You’ve been watching too many B movies.”

  “Then whatever you’re doing, stop! I just want my life back!” she wailed, heading for the bedroom and slamming the door shut behind her.

  Marian turned to Patrick. “Do you think we’ll ever find out what happened at the baseball field?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know, but whatever it was seems to have given her some food for thought, pardon the pun. She compared the man to a hot-fudge sundae. That was a good sign, if I ever saw one.”

  Chapter Eight

  “Nice legs.”

  Michael couldn’t conjure up one logical sentence, much less a word. Not when he was too busy grabbing the rapidly slipping towel around his middle and gaping at the woman standing in the front doorway whose eyes were busy inspecting the hair-dusted bare legs. He really should have grabbed some clothes before answering the door.

  “I didn’t expect you.”

  Alex’s lips twitched. Her eyes floated from his eyes down to the towel barely covering a wet male body, to the feet shifting one to the other in an uneasy stance. Her gaze wandered just as leisurely upward. “Yes, I figured that out already. May I come in?”

  The good manners drummed into him from birth prompted him to step back. “Sure.” Why was she here? At the same time, he wasn’t going to look the proverbial gift horse in the mouth. She was here; wasn’t that enough good fortune for him?

  Alex moved to one side, out of sight for a moment before reappearing holding a large green leafy plant in a basket. “A housewarming gift,” she announced, walking inside. “Since you appear to have your hands full, I’ll take care of this.” She looked around at the boxes littering the living room and stacked on the breakfast bar, save for a small area Michael used for his meals. “You weren’t kidding about a lack of color scheme, were you?”

  Michael, still confused by Alex’s unexpected presence, stood there stupidly holding the towel in a knot at his waist.

  “How did you find out where I live?” He pushed the door closed before any more surprises appeared.

  She cocked an eyebrow. “I have my methods. Don’t doctors usually advise damp bodies to stay out of drafts? Why don’t you go dry off while I find the right place for this.” She held up the basket.

  He quickly retreated to his bedroom, where he didn’t waste any time in pulling on a T-shirt and shorts. A hand dragged across his jaw told him a quick shave wouldn’t hurt, either.

  Alex wandered through the maze of boxes, breathing deeply to quell the rapid thudding of her heart. It might not have been the first time she’d seen a nearly naked man, but it was the first time she’d seen Michael, and Michael just wearing a damp towel was more than impressive!

  “Who’d’ve thought surgeons’ greens could hide such a great body,” she muttered.

  “There’s coffee in the kitchen,” the subject of her thoughts called out from the rear of the apartment. “Ten to one you’ll find clean cups in the dishwasher.”

  Alex set the plant on top of a box and headed for the kitchen. Judging from the spots on the plates and glasses, she easily assumed the dishes in the dishwasher were dirty. She quickly washed two cups before filling one of them with coffee. Taking matters into her own hands she poured soap into the dispenser and switched the dishwasher on.

  “I—ah—I guess I forgot to run it last night.” Michael walked in, looking dryer, a bit more composed and no less appealing.

  “I tend to do the same thing. I even got in the habit of filling the soap dispenser first because that was the only way I knew if they were clean or dirty.” She refilled the cup by the coffee maker and handed it to him. “I thought you moved here a few months ago.”

  “I did.” He lifted the mug to his lips.

  Alex found she couldn’t keep her eyes off his bare midriff where the shirt rode up. She quickly concentrated on her coffee. “Oh, I see. The boxes are your furniture. I admit it’s a novel idea.”

  “My schedule has been so crazy since I arrived that I haven’t had time to unpack, so I tend to empty a box whenever I need something that’s still packed.” His eyes fell on the colorful plant sitting on a box. “That’s really nice of you to bring me a plant, but I’m afraid with the kind of schedule I keep it might not get the care it should.”

  Alex’s laughter spilled outward. “Don’t worry, Doctor, I already thought of that. It’s silk. There’s no way you can kill it.”

  “Silk?” Now why did that word make him think of sexy lingerie and dresses that slide across the skin like a whisper at midnight? Funny thoughts for a man who’d always been accused of not having a romantic bone in his body.

  “I may work out of my home, but I tend to forget about watering and feeding, so all my plants are silk. Guaranteed unkillable. Before that, yellow and brown leaves littered my carpet like crazy. I either overwatered and underfed or the other way around.” She waved her free hand in a wagging motion.

  Now that Michael’s senses were returning to normal, he was able to feast his eyes on the woman standing in his kitchen talking so blithely about killing poor defenseless plants. Her rich brown hair with its intriguing paler streaks swirled around her shoulders in loose waves that begged to be touched, and her pale blue shirt, which stopped just above the waistband of her full calf-length skirt, hinted of a romantic nature. He liked the way the skirt hem was hitched up every few inches to reveal a lace-trimmed petticoat. While it might have been the design of the skirt, he liked to think he was seeing something he wasn’t supposed to.

  “I didn’t come by just to bring the plant.” Alex’s voice broke in his wandering thoughts.

  He looked up from his perusal of her slender ankles defined by pale blue ballet slippers. “That wasn’t your only reason for interrupting my shower?” he teased.

  She shook her head. All signs of humor were now g
one, something Michael didn’t want to happen. “I also wanted to apologize for Jason’s behavior last night. He was very rude to you and there was no reason for it.”

  “It isn’t your responsibility to apologize for him, Alex,” he said quietly.

  She traced the rim of her cup with her fingertip. “He’s not normally like that.”

  Michael frowned. “He didn’t hurt you or anything, did he?”

  “No, that isn’t Jason’s way. He’s very aware of his professional standing in the business community and normally he wouldn’t allow anything like emotions to interfere with that.” She made a face. “I guess you could say he received a sharp blow to the ego and he couldn’t handle it very well.”

  Michael leaned against the counter, still drinking his coffee, just waiting.

  Alex paced back and forth, unable to keep still for more than a few seconds.

  “He learned that I have an investment portfolio with someone else,” she blurted out.

  “So you’ve been unfaithful with another broker??”

  She looked at him as if he should have figured out the answer to that by himself. “In his eyes it is, since we’ve been seeing each other for quite a while. He’s upset that I don’t have it with him.”

  “Do you have your portfolio with someone else for a special reason?”

  “Some of my investments I inherited from my father, with the stipulation I use the same broker he had for years. I just transferred everything else over to him. My business manager oversees it from there. Oh, I know I have investments, and I know enough not to be taken to the cleaner’s, but my manager is a very reliable man and I trust him.”

  “And Jason doesn’t agree,” he stated.

  She wrinkled her nose. “That’s an understatement. He wants me to transfer everything to him. I guess he feels it’s his right.”

  “And you don’t want to.”

  Michael put into stark, clear words what Alex had been pretending wasn’t running through her mind.

  “It’s not that I don’t trust his judgment,” she began, faltered and went on. “It’s just that sometimes he comes across a little too eager for the almighty dollar. For the ultimate coup. He collects prestigious clients the way someone else would collect stamps. He likes the names he can drop to make him sound even more important.” Her expression changed, twisted like that of a small child told something she didn’t want to hear. “He called my work silly drawings! I didn’t like him saying that and I told him so.”