“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make it sound horrible, and I’m not trying to get rid of you. I like you—you make me laugh. I was leading up to a question, though.”
“Spit it out, then. I have a feeling I’ll be spending the rest of my day off alone.”
“Tell me,” he paused, “how you and I ended up with the same present.” He reclined casually in his seat with a triumphant gleam in his eye.
Lori’s frown was quickly replaced with a laugh. “Oh, now we’re getting somewhere.”
“Come on. I might be a bit slow, but I know there’s no way that happened by itself.”
She reached out and squeezed his hand. “You’re not slow and you need to stop saying that—especially since you’re absolutely right. I was standing behind you at the cinema and heard you tell the woman the gift was for a wedding and ask if she thought it was lame to give a gift to people you didn’t know.”
“Ahh… do you always tell lies, then?”
“What do you mean?”
“You told me it was a fluke, so I’m wondering if you’re in the habit of being untruthful.”
Lori bit her lip. “I was going to tell you. You don’t like lies, huh?”
“No, they make me nervous. People lie when they’re trying to be kind; I don’t need anyone to be kind to me.”
“I’m sorry, really. It was just a joke, and it didn’t occur to me that it might upset you. It was mostly an excuse to get you to ask me out, since you’d been so reluctant. I thought I was making it obvious that I’d like to get to know you.”
“I get that a hundred times a week at work. You can understand why I’m reluctant.” He took a sip of his drink as he continued to watch her.
“I can understand that, but I’m not like everyone else. I’m not trying to date you because you’re the DJ. I wanted to get to know you because you made me laugh that first night when we changed the tyre.”
“We?”
“I supplied the jack. I mean, that was practically the whole job!” She watched him visibly relax as he laughed at her explanation.
“There’s no way you qualify as having helped change that tyre, no matter how you try to spin it.”
Lori’s phone began vibrating on the table and she frowned as she looked down at the screen. “Sorry, I need to answer this. Rachel should be on the plane by now, not calling me.” She picked it up, “Hello. Rachel?” She listened, her eyes widening as a voice came through the phone. When she hung up, she looked at Fish. “You won’t believe it. Rachel and Henry booked to go to the US with a discount airline and they’ve gone out of business! Their travel insurer can’t organise new tickets to go to Vegas until after Christmas.”
“Oh, that sucks. What a way to ruin your honeymoon.”
“She’s not a happy girl—she likes her plans to work out.”
“Did Henry really propose right after they met?”
“Yep, and it was hilarious. He insisted on dragging her to lunch right after, exactly like he said in his speech.”
“I can’t imagine making that commitment so quickly. I need a lot more time to get to know someone.”
“You have all the time in the world, William. Getting to know someone doesn’t happen by itself, though. You need to give some signal that you’re interested, so people don’t drift away.”
“Hmm. I guess they’ll work out their honeymoon problems, since they’re in love.”
“Oh, suddenly you’re the big romantic? Watch out, you might be tempted to try it out for yourself.”
“I’m mildly tempted.” He reached out and clasped her hand. “You’re tempting me.”
Chapter 10
“You remember Jorden from the wedding, right?” Rachel inclined her head toward Lori as they ate a quick salad during their lunch break a week later. “She booked Christmas lunch at the casino with some of her friends and invited me and Henry before she knew we would be away. Now that we’ll be here, she says there’s still room. Do you want to come with us, too?”
“Hmm… I have plans for Christmas day. I didn’t expect you to be home.”
“Me neither. I’m so lucky work let me postpone my leave.
“Who’s going to the lunch?”
Rachel opened an app on her phone before she answered. “I had to make a list in case I forgot all their names. There’s me and Henry, Jordan and Luke, plus Jordan’s friends, Andrea, Shelley, and Emily, as well as their partners, Boyd and Cooper.”
“That’s quite a group.”
“I know. We thought it could be fun to join in, since we didn’t have plans for the day. We should be on our honeymoon.” Rachel’s scowl appeared.
“What are your mum and dad doing?”
“They’ve been invited to a lunch with their neighbour. They offered to cancel, but it’s a couple hours’ drive, and we didn’t think it was fair to make them change their plans. So, you won’t come?”
“I can’t.”
“You’re being very mysterious,” Rachel grinned. “So, have things moved forward with you and the oh-so-hot Fish?”
“A little bit.” Lori leaned back and smiled. “A lot, actually. He’s finally relaxed when I’m around, and he sent the most beautiful bunch of flowers to work this week. Until recently, he always looked scared, like he thought I might pounce on him.”
“Most guys would be good with a little pouncing from Lori Shore.”
“I know! It’s a little bit nice to be the one having to make an effort, though—I’ve never had to do that before. Now I know the stress guys go through.”
“Are you sure he’s worth it?”
“Totally. We were at lunch when you called about your cancelled flights, and he took me out for dinner a few nights later. We’re going out Monday night, too—his idea, not mine—since that’s one of his nights off.”
“Okay, well, if you change your mind, let me know straight away. I imagine Christmas lunch bookings fill up quickly.”
“I will. If things go well, I’ll be spending all day with Fish.”
Chapter 11
“Hello, who is this?” The caller didn’t wait for Lori to give her usual greeting.
“Hello,” Lori answered the phone at her desk, “this is Lori at Lorimor Partners. How can I help you?”
“My son uses your firm, and I just came across some paperwork. I want to find out if he’s planning to leave me alone.”
“Oh.” Lori frowned as she adjusted her headset and stared at her computer screen. “I don’t think we can give out personal information about our clients. Could you try calling your son?”
“I did, but his phone is turned off and I’m home all alone.”
Her words tickled Lori’s memory. On a hunch, she asked, “What’s your son’s name?”
“William.”
“His last name?”
“Jackson. I’m his mother, Trina Jackson. I want to know if he’s moving overseas. The paperwork had details of jobs overseas and all the money he’d be earning. I don’t want him to leave me alone, but maybe I need to move to a home and let him live his life. It looks like he’s giving up a lot of money by staying here with me.” The woman began to sob quietly.
“Mrs. Jackson, I don’t think you need to worry. I shouldn’t say anything about this, but that sheet was a guess about what could happen in the future. If it’s the one he filled out here at the firm, it was all made up numbers, just in case he suddenly got some offers.”
“Do you think so, dear?”
“I know so. How about you talk to him about it when he gets home?”
“I tried his phone, but he didn’t answer. I’m here all alone today.”
“Are you normally alone?”
“I’m never alone, dear—not for a single second. Either the nurse or William is here. I’d quite enjoy it, except I can’t reach my knitting on the shelf. I don’t have anything to drink, either.”
Lori frowned and stopped typing. “Where’s the nurse? Shouldn’t someone be there with you?”
“She had an emergency at home and said another nurse would come soon. I’m sure she’ll be here in a few minutes, and I can try to get the knitting, myself. I’m sure I can stand to get it.”
“No!” Lori stood suddenly, scattering pens onto the carpet. “Mrs. Jackson, please don’t do that. If you normally have someone with you, then you should definitely not do that.”
“You could be right, dear.”
“I’m going to take down your number and call you in half an hour, okay?”
“Oh, you don’t need to do that. I only wanted to know about William.”
“It’s no trouble, really.” She frantically searched for a reason to call back and lied, “We have a service we volunteer for here to check on the elderly. I’ll add you to today’s list.”
“Well, alright, dear, if you’re already calling people.”
“I am,” she smiled. “If the nurse arrives, can you call me if you remember?”
“Of course, dear. Speak soon.” The line clicked.
Crap! What should I do?
Lori checked her watch and jotted down the time in her notebook. Mr. Lorimor had already left for the day and there were no more appointments; she was spending the afternoon keying data into the computer system.
If Fish didn’t check on his mother before going to work, would she be alone all night? Lori hadn’t ever asked him why he still lived at home, but now it appeared there was a medical reason.
He’s gonna be pissed at me if I barge in and interfere.
She pulled her phone out and dialed his number, but it went directly to voicemail. Unable to wait the half hour she’d promised, Lori dialled Trina ten minutes later. The phone rang again and again before she finally answered.
“Hello?”
“Mrs. Jackson?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“This is Lori. I talked to you a few minutes ago.”
“Oh, I remember.”
“I just wanted to check if the nurse had arrived, yet?”
“Not yet, but I’m sure she’ll be here soon.”
“Mrs. Jackson, I forgot to ask before what time the other nurse left?”
“Hmm… I think it was around one.”
Lori glanced at the clock. “It’s three-thirty now. You’ve been there for hours on your own?”
“Yes. I’ll be glad when she gets here, because I’d like some lunch.”
“You didn’t have lunch? How old are you, Mrs. Jackson, if you don’t mind me being so rude?”
“I’m sixty-eight, dear.”
“Okay,” Lori shut down her computer while she spoke. “How about I come by and keep you company until the nurse arrives? Would that be alright? We can have our lunch together, since I missed my break.”
“Oh, I don’t want to be any bother.”
“It’s no bother—I’d like it, if you feel up for a visitor. William has spoken about you many times when he has been to our office. It’s no trouble.” Lori pulled her bag from the bottom drawer, biting her lip as she waited for permission.
“Alright, if you’re sure it’s no trouble.”
“It’s not. I’ll even make sure to get your knitting for you. I’m only ten minutes away, so sit tight.”
She threw the headset onto her desk and tapped Fish’s address into her phone. Knowing she might be keeping an old lady from getting injured removed any guilt she felt about memorising his address from his file.
Fish pulled into his driveway a little after four in the morning. He turned off the ignition and the booming music fell silent as he closed his eyes and leaned against the headrest. Thoughts of Lori quickly filled his head in the quiet. He’d missed her all week after their movie date on Monday night. He’d convinced himself he wasn’t falling for her, but four days with just a few quick phone calls had him thinking otherwise.
She was always smiling and always trying to make him laugh at the world around him and even at himself. Where other women sighed when he wasn’t quick to grasp some detail, she grinned and explained it a different way. Not for the first time tonight, he kicked himself for not making time to call her before it got too late. She’d soon lose interest if he didn’t try harder to show her his feelings.
This was the first quiet moment he’d had since he’d left the house this morning. He’d spent the day shopping for new equipment, got a haircut and a bite to eat, and attended a staff meeting at the club. It was Friday night, so the place had quickly filled up once the doors opened. He’d snuck out at the end, avoiding the three women security had informed him were waiting for him outside.
With a sigh, he pulled the keys from the ignition, slid out of his seat, and locked the car. Heavy footsteps carried him up the path to the front door. Usually, the nurse left the outside light on for him, but tonight it was dark. He let himself in and closed the door quietly behind him. The kitchen light was on, but the other rooms were in darkness.
Strange. She normally lights up every corner of this house at night.
He stepped into the lounge room and waited for his eyes to adjust to the dark before pushing off his shoes. As he bent down to place them neatly against the wall, he noticed the nurse sleeping on the couch with a blanket over her.
Bloody strange. Why is she asleep?
The regular nurse was a stickler for rules and never went to sleep until he got home to relieve her. She’d lectured him more than once about her duty and how it wouldn’t do to sleep on the job. He wished she was as diligent about turning out the lights downstairs.
He stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, and a gentle shake was all it took to rouse her. She sat up, rubbing her eyes, as the blanket slid off her shoulder.
“Lori?” Fish stepped back with a gasp.
“Yes, it’s me. Sorry, I was tired. What time is it?”
“After four. How did you get here? Where’s Mrs. French?”
“I don’t know. Your mother called me and said the nurse had to leave and a replacement hadn’t arrived. She missed lunch and was thirsty, so I left work and came over.”
“You left work? What time was it?”
“I got here about four.” She stood and smoothed down her skirt. “It was no bother. We had a late lunch together and played a bit of Scrabble. I made us dinner, too, and she had a lovely time showing me family photos.”
“Oh God.”
Lori laughed. “You should worry. I’ve seen you naked now—many, many times.” She grinned at the horrified look on his face. “She went to bed around nine and has been quiet since.” She looked at him, worried about his reaction to her intrusion. “I didn’t want to leave her alone, since she said you or a nurse is normally here.”
“Yes, she can’t be left alone. I’m going to have words with the nursing agency.”
“I figured it was some kind of mix-up with the second nurse.”
“I guess so. It could have made a crappy outcome, though.”
“That’s why I came. She told me she was going to try to get her knitting off the shelf.”
“Jesus.” He ran his hand through his hair; as the blonde fringe stuck up, Lori tried not to laugh. “Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say. This is above and beyond.”
“You didn’t tell me you lived at home because your mum needed you.”
“You didn’t ask for details.”
“No, I assumed you were freeloading. I’m sorry.”
“There’s no reason for you to be sorry. Most people in their late twenties don’t have a parent in need of a high amount of care.”
Lori picked up her bag. “I should get going.”
“Do you want a coffee?”
“I’d love one, but don’t you need to get to bed? It’s late.”
“I can spare you an hour before I fall into bed.”
“An hour? That’s some coffee.” Lori smirked as she followed him into the kitchen and sat at the table. “Did you have dinner?”
“No, I didn’t have time.”
“I kept you some.
It’s in the fridge.”
He turned and leaned against the counter in his bare feet as he flicked the kettle on. “You kept me dinner?”
“I did.” She got up from the table and opened the fridge. “Do you like spaghetti carbonara?”
“It’s my favourite.”
She smiled as she removed the plate and pulled off the plastic wrap. She took a step to the left, opened the microwave, and placed the plate inside before closing the door and setting the timer.
“You make that look easy.”
“I’ll admit I’m a domestic goddess.”
Lori leaned against the counter with her arms crossed as Fish watched her. After a moment, he turned sideways, mimicking her stance, before he stepped close and put his hands on her waist. “Why have I been ignoring you, Lori? Why do I keep pushing you away after every date?”
“I don’t know, William.” She moved her hands to his shoulders. “Lord knows I’ve given you plenty of invitations to take notice.”
“You have. I fear I’ve made a terrible mistake.”
“You can make it up to me.”
“How?”
Shaking her head at his typical behaviour of completely missing her cue, Lori leaned in and pressed her lips lightly against his. For a moment, they were joined together by the delicious warmth of their mouths before he pulled her closer. Her hands slipped around his neck and she pressed herself against him as he began a slow exploration of her mouth.
Unexpected butterflies soared through Lori’s belly as they melded together, the whir of the microwave running in the background. Their kiss went on and on, and she was the first to pull away with a chuckle.
“What’s funny?”
“I didn’t expect you to be so enthusiastic. I’ve had to practically beg to get to this place with you. I thought you’d be reluctant, but you were… that was… phew! Amazing.”
“More?”
Lori’s mouth watered at the prospect of wrapping her arms around him and kissing him for the rest of the night. Forget the dinner—she could fulfil any hunger he had. She snickered and shook her head as she stepped away. “Don’t tempt me. I definitely want more, but I also want you to eat.” She opened the microwave and placed his bowl on the kitchen table, indicating he should sit.
Married This Christmas Page 6