“I guess so, but I don’t mind watching the phones. And at lunchtime I can go get us some sandwiches and we can eat here, if you want.”
“Good idea,” Will said. “Carrie and I used to do that. We did most of our talking over lunch.”
Jim frowned. “Maybe she misses that. Tomorrow I should offer to bring back lunch. I hadn’t realized my joining you would cause so many changes.”
Will leaned against the doorjamb. “I hadn’t thought of that, but I guess my eating with you most days has made a difference in Carrie’s day. But usually that happens when Vanessa comes to have lunch with Carrie.”
“Yeah. By the way, you know I encouraged Vanessa to take self-defense lessons. I got the name of the place where Carrie went. Why didn’t Vanessa go with Carrie?”
“It was right after Carrie’s father’s death. She had cut herself off from Vanessa and I hadn’t met Vivian or Vanessa yet. It really pleased both of them when Carrie came back into Vanessa’s life.”
“I guess so. It took me a while to figure out why they were friends.”
“What do you mean?” Will asked, sitting down in Carrie’s chair.
“Wealthy people don’t usually form friendships with people who don’t have money.”
Will smiled. “Yeah, that’s what I thought, too. Until I met Vivian.”
“She does seem different.”
“Yeah, she wanted to adopt all of you when she found out Vanessa had siblings. Herbert wouldn’t consider such a thing.”
“Carrie said something like that. I didn’t think she was serious.” Jim shuffled some papers.
“Vivian was serious about it. At the time she was only twenty and definitely under Herbert’s thumb. Back when a woman accepted her husband’s decisions without protest. Fortunately, women aren’t taught to obey their husbands anymore.”
“Even if they were, Carrie wouldn’t,” Jim said with a grin. “She’s a fighter.”
“She had to be or she wouldn’t have survived when her life was shattered after her father died,” Will said solemnly.
“I know. I have that troubled background more in common with Carrie than with Vanessa. We’ve both faced hard times.”
Will fiddled with one of Carrie’s pens. “I hadn’t thought about that, but it’s true. I guess you’re well suited to each other.”
“As workers,” Jim hurriedly said.
Will studied his face. “Only as workers?”
“I told you, Will, I’m a jinx.”
“I thought we’d agreed that logic dispelled that belief.” Will watched him.
“Nice try, but I don’t think so.”
CARRIE WENT BACK to her apartment and changed into jogging clothes. She hadn’t gone out that morning because she hadn’t wanted to run into Jim. Now she could jog without that fear.
And she needed to calm down.
Thoughts of spending the weekend in Vegas with Jim, pretending to be newlyweds, was a little overwhelming. She needed to rebuild her defenses. If it was possible.
She’d been unsettled ever since Jim’s kiss Friday night. It had been so sweet, so dreamy. She almost snorted at her sappy thought. Life wasn’t dreamy! She knew that because of her past. She had to force herself to face reality.
The reality was as Jim had explained. It had been a romantic moment. He was a man. A man responded to sexual opportunity.
Not that Jim had gone beyond what was acceptable. No, unfortunately, he’d left Carrie wanting more. She’d been fighting that feeling ever since.
Damn it! She wasn’t being honest. She’d been fighting that feeling ever since Jim had walked into the office that first day.
Carrie began running faster, as if trying to outrun her thoughts. She needed to leave those thoughts behind, or the trip to Vegas would be a disaster.
She spent the rest of the day doing errands, including grocery shopping and a trip to the post office. The stores were open until nine every night. She wasn’t going to tell Will that, but she could do any shopping she needed in the evenings.
Later, as she was preparing her dinner, a knock on her door surprised her. She went to the door and looked through the peephole, then slowly opened it.
“Yes, Jim?”
“Just thought I’d check to see if your shopping was successful.”
“Not really.”
“Oh. Are you going to run in the morning?”
“I don’t know. I guess it depends on what time I get up.”
Jim grinned at her. “I could offer to wake you up.”
“No, thanks.”
He looked over her head and sniffed the air. “Something smells good.”
Carrie knew he’d like her to invite him to dinner, but she fought the urge to do as he wanted. “Yes, I’m cooking.”
“Will and I were talking today and he mentioned that you used to go pick up lunch for the two of you and you’d talk over lunch.”
She cautiously agreed. “Yes.”
“I thought I’d pick up lunch for the three of us tomorrow and we could visit while we ate.”
“I don’t mind watching the office while you and Will go out to eat,” she said abruptly.
“There’s no reason you should, though. We’re all partners, aren’t we?”
“Yes, but—”
“Let’s just try it tomorrow. We’ll see how it goes. We could schedule it at least once a week.”
“I suppose so.” Before he could suggest anything else, Carrie looked over her shoulder. “I have to take my supper off the stove,” she said hurriedly.
“Go ahead,” Jim said, and stepped into the apartment.
Carrie backed away, frustrated that she hadn’t handled the situation better and gotten Jim out of her apartment.
She took the pasta off the stove and drained it.
“Ah, you’re having pasta? I love pasta.”
Carrie ground her teeth. Then, after drawing a deep breath, she said, “I can give you some to take home with you.”
“That’s not necessary. I just thought— I don’t like to eat alone.”
Carrie gave up. “Sit down, Jim. Dinner will be ready in a couple of minutes.”
“Thanks, Carrie. Is there anything I can do?”
“Yes, pour some iced tea you’ll find in the refrigerator.”
She added to the salad and put it on the table. Then she put out more silverware. She poured the sauce on the pasta and put it in a serving dish. Jim, holding two filled glasses, reached the table.
“Wow, this looks great, Carrie.”
“It’s very simple.”
As they ate, Jim brought up a variety of subjects for conversation. Carrie knew he was intentionally trying to take her mind off his presence, and it worked…to an extent. She actually enjoyed the meal. But she never forgot Jim was sitting at her table.
After they finished eating, he insisted on helping her do the dishes, which took all of five minutes. When they finished, he suggested they watch television for a little while, but she refused, telling him she had some errands to run.
“Then I guess I should go and get out of your way,” he said with a smile.
“Sorry. Maybe another time,” she said, keeping her gaze down.
His hand lifted her chin up. “Thanks for the dinner, Carrie. I enjoyed it a lot. After we get back from Vegas, I’ll pay you back by taking you out to dinner.”
“That’s not necessary,” she assured him, pulling away from his hold. She moved to the door and opened it.
Jim walked through, thanking her again before she could shut the door.
She fell against the closed door, regretting she’d rushed him away. But she had no choice. If they’d remained together, she might let herself lose control.
Which brought her back to thoughts of Vegas.
If she couldn’t handle one small meal, how the heck would she survive a weekend with him in a honeymoon suite?
WILL LOOKED AT VANESSA as they ate dinner that night. “Did you sign up for your self-defense clas
s?”
“I did. But I wish I didn’t have to take it by myself.”
“I’ll take it with you,” Vivian said, surprising both her husband and her daughter.
Will reached out his hand to his wife. “Vivian, I’m here to protect you.”
“Of course you are, dear, but you’re not with me all the time. I’ve never worried about it since Herbert died because Vanessa was an adult by then. But now with Danny… He couldn’t take care of himself if something happened to me in the next twenty years.”
“But, Mom, I’d take care of him,” Vanessa put in. “And so would Will.”
“I know that, but wouldn’t it be better if I have some idea of how to protect myself so that situation doesn’t arise?”
“Yes, of course,” Will agreed. “But do you feel fit enough after Danny’s birth?”
“Of course I do,” she said, giving him a challenging look, daring him to disagree.
Will didn’t. “I guess that takes care of that problem, Vanessa. Sign your mother up for that class, too.”
“Okay. By the way, did our matchmaking work on Jim and Carrie?”
Will grimaced. “There’s something between them, but Jim feels he’s a jinx to anyone he loves. He doesn’t intend to have a relationship with anyone.”
“Did he lose someone he loved?” Vanessa asked.
Vivian said, “Think, child.”
“You mean our parents? But that wasn’t his fault. And Wally was killed in war!”
“Apparently there was a young woman he loved and she was killed in an accident a few days after he shipped out,” Will explained.
“He wasn’t even there!” Vanessa almost shouted.
“I pointed out the lack of logic in his fears, but he said I hadn’t convinced him. That’s why he was so reluctant to come to the hospital the night Jamie was born.” Will added, “He said it was a real relief that the baby was healthy.”
“But what can we do? We can’t let him go to waste!”
“He’s not a crop to be harvested,” Vivian protested.
“No, he’s much more important. He’s a good man, and they’re hard to find. And Carrie needs a good man. It would be so perfect!”
“I think we’re making progress,” Will said calmly.
“What do you mean?” Vanessa asked.
“They’re going on a honeymoon to Vegas.”
“They’re getting married?” Vanessa exclaimed joyously.
“No, Vanessa. I said they were going on a honeymoon. I didn’t mention marriage.”
Vivian put down her fork. “I think you need to explain yourself, Will Greenfield! I won’t have Carrie mistreated!”
“Neither would I, my love,” Will said with a grin. He explained all about the case they were working on and how they were sharing the bridal suite.
“How did Carrie accept that situation?” Vivian asked.
“She’s upset, but she knows it’s necessary. Anything else that happens is between the two of them.”
“But she might not want—”
“You know Jim. Do you believe he would continue if Carrie said no?” Will shook his head. “And after all, Carrie has taken that self-defense class. She might not be able to win against Jim, but she damn sure wouldn’t stop trying.”
“You’re right, dear,” Vivian said with a small smile.
“Does Carrie know how Jim feels?” Vanessa asked. “I mean about feeling guilty for the deaths in his life?”
“I doubt it.”
“Hmm,” Vanessa said, the wheels obviously turning in her head.
JUST AS JIM GOT UP to go get lunch for the three of them the next day, Vanessa strolled into the office.
“Hello, everybody!”
Jim and Carrie greeted her, and Will came out of his office. “Hi, there, Vanessa. What are you doing here?”
“I know it’s short notice, but I need to borrow Carrie for lunch.”
“But we were going to have lunch together,” Jim exclaimed.
“You and Carrie?” Vanessa asked in surprise.
“No, the three of us,” Jim explained.
“Couldn’t you do that tomorrow? I want to have lunch with Carrie today.”
Jim just stared at his sister, unable to answer.
“Is that okay with you, Carrie?” Will asked. “Actually that might be better because we can go over last-minute preparations for your trip this weekend.”
“Yes, that’s fine,” Carrie hurriedly said. She grabbed her purse and went out the door with Vanessa.
Jim didn’t speak until the two ladies had disappeared. Then he said, “My little sister is slightly spoiled, Will. You’ll have to agree with that.”
“Absolutely,” Will said with a smile. “But, like her mother, she has a good heart.”
ONCE THEY WERE SEATED in the restaurant, Carrie looked at her friend. “What was so important that you insisted on lunch today?”
Vanessa slumped in her chair. “My party was useless.”
“What do you mean?” Carrie asked, leaning toward Vanessa.
“There’s no use in me trying to find a lady for Jim. He’s not interested.”
Carrie stared at her friend, shock on her face. “Are you telling me Jim’s gay? I don’t believe it!”
“No, not that. But he thinks he’s a jinx to anyone he gets close to.” She then went on to repeat what Will had told her.
“That’s terrible,” Carrie muttered. “He said something to me about his parents and Wally dying, but I didn’t really understand. No wonder he wanted to dance with me at the party. He was trying to avoid any women he might feel attracted to.”
“Oh, I don’t think that’s true,” Vanessa hurriedly said. “I’m sure it’s because he’s attracted to you.”
“Me? Don’t be ridiculous, Vanessa. And even if he was, it wouldn’t matter since he doesn’t plan on getting close to anyone of the female persuasion.”
“I was hoping you could tempt him,” Vanessa said in a mischievous voice.
Carrie was horrified. “Vanessa! What are you suggesting?”
Chapter Fifteen
Thursday’s lunch was a group affair at the office. Jim went out and bought sandwiches and the three of them gathered around Will’s desk for their noon meal.
“Pass me the potato chips,” Will requested.
The bag was passed to him and he put some on his paper plate. “This is great. It’s like a picnic.”
Jim eyed his partner. “Yeah. You haven’t had enough picnics?”
“No. Betty doesn’t think picnics are proper meals. I don’t dare tell her we brought in food for lunch. She’d think I needed twice as much to eat for dinner.”
“We won’t tell,” Carrie assured him.
“I don’t know,” Jim said in a considering voice. “I might be interested in blackmail. Or maybe a dinner invitation.”
“Done,” Will agreed with a big grin. “You have an open invitation.”
“Maybe I’ll take you up on that after we get back from Vegas,” Jim said. “I’ve made a copy of our itinerary in case you need to find us. Plus, we’ll have our cells.”
“What cameras are you taking with you?” Will asked.
“I’ll have my digital camera with me, and my camera phone,” Carrie said.
“I’m taking a small camera in this pen,” Jim said, holding up what looked like a ballpoint pen. “I’ll have to be close for it to work, but that might happen.”
Will nodded. “All right. And remember to begin your cover from the moment you leave your apartment, you two. You never know who you’ll run into, or what they’ll say that might expose your secret.”
“Right,” Jim agreed. “Wedding rings from the word go.”
“Yeah. You’ve got those, right?”
They both nodded.
“Do you know anything about Riley’s gambling habits?” Will asked.
“Some,” Carrie said. “He usually plays blackjack, but he also likes craps and roulette.”
“And Mrs. Riley?”
“She likes the slots,” Carrie said.
“How are you two going to work that?”
“We’ll stay together,” Jim said. “Mrs. Riley’s not scamming the insurance company so we’ll stick to Mr. Riley. Occasionally one of us will go play some slots, just to locate the wife and make sure she won’t notice us taking pictures whenever Riley leaves the gaming tables.”
“Good. Now, I’m going to the bank after lunch. Have you figured out how much cash you’ll need?”
Jim and Will discussed the proper amount, but Carrie didn’t concern herself with their discussion. She knew she could turn in an expense account after her return and get her money reimbursed. Instead, she was mentally reviewing the clothes she would pack that evening.
She tended to buy unnoticeable clothes that allowed her to blend in with the scenery, which was helpful in her job. But they wouldn’t work on this trip. No. On this trip she needed sexier clothes. Clothes a bride would wear to entice her new husband.
“Carrie?”
She jerked her head up and stared at Will. “Yes?”
“I called you several times. What were you thinking about?”
“The trip. Trying to make sure I had all my ducks in a row, that’s all.” She ignored Jim’s sharp look. The last thing she needed was for Jim to start reading her mind.
“Any problems?” he asked.
“No, of course not,” she hurriedly said. “Everything’s fine.”
But would she say that once she got to Vegas?
THAT NIGHT, Carrie packed her clothes. She put in some bright-colored tops and some sexy underwear. She was supposed to be a newlywed, after all. She’d even bought a couple of nightgowns.
The one thing she’d bought that she hadn’t told Jim about was in a box in her bathroom, awaiting her. She didn’t really like using it, but because she’d seen Mrs. Riley before, she couldn’t take a chance that she might recognize her.
The next morning, when Jim knocked on her door, Carrie swung it open and waited for his reaction.
“What happened to the good-looking blonde who lives here?” he demanded, staring at her brown hair.
“She’s in disguise,” Carrie whispered. Then she picked up her suitcase and purse and entered the hallway so she could lock her apartment door.
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