Unforgettable Heroes Boxed Set

by James, Maddie

  “Isn’t that right, babe?”

  Wes’s casual question abruptly brought her back to the present and the keen eyes of the older couple sitting across from her. Keen, expectant eyes. Obviously, they were waiting for an answer, but she’d completely lost track of the conversation.

  “Millie was asking if we intended to have children, and I told her we’d decided this wasn’t the time,” he repeated.

  Lillian nearly choked on her coffee. Children! Good heavens, she hadn’t even thought about that last night when Wes was…well, when Wes was doing all those things she’d enjoyed so very, very much. She knew he’d pulled a condom from his wallet the first time. And she was pretty sure he had the second time, too. But after that…. “Lil, babe, you okay?”

  She mustered a smile. “Just swallowed the wrong way.”

  A sharp noise interrupted their breakfast. She heard three short beeps of a car horn and looked over to see a sedan in front of the campsite. A huge grin split her face when the driver’s door opened and Frank got out.

  “Thanks for the breakfast, gotta go,” she shot out rapid-fire before bolting away.

  ****

  Wes watched Lillian dash across the expanse of wet grass to Frank, shake Frank’s hand and launch into an animated conversation with him. Taking his own departure, he headed over to join them. He walked slowly, torn between anticipating the pleasures of a real bed and restaurant meal tonight and a strange reluctance to leave. He cursed Frank’s timing, then cursed himself for thinking last night could be the start of anything permanent. The last thing he wanted or needed was the complication of a serious romance.

  Back home, Lillian wouldn’t have given him a second glance. Or a first one, either, since the chances that her country club path and his decidedly more blue-collar road would ever have crossed were between slim and none.

  “Wes.” Frank took his hand in a firm shake. “Your wife says the two of you have enjoyed your time out here away from the rat race. I offered to let you have a few days more, but she says you’ve got pressing business in Detroit.”

  “Well, she’s the boss,” he answered, a reply that earned him a glare from Lillian. “I’m just along for the ride, you know.”

  Frank laughed. “Somehow, I can’t picture you taking orders from anyone, not even this little lady. Still it’s a lot easier to go along with ’em than fight ’em, though, isn’t it?”

  “Sure is.” That was a sentiment Wes could second. Especially when it came to Lil.

  Frank arched his back and stretched.

  “Listen, I need to stretch my legs a little before we head out. I’m going to check out the place. My camping friends recommended it so I’d like to take a closer look.”

  Wes should have expected a lecture as soon as Frank was out of sight. He stood with his hands in his pockets as Lillian laid down the law one more time. He kept his eyes fixed on hers as she talked. That made her seems nervous which suited him fine.

  Somewhere along the line he realized that Al and Millie were watching from next door.

  He stepped to within inches of the still-yakking Lillian.

  “Honey, we haven’t left yet.” He smiled for the older couple’s benefit. “We need to keep the lovey-dovey charade going. Frank will be back any minute.”

  “Oh.” The smile she gave him looked forced but it was better than her shrew’s face.

  “So let’s walk over hand in hand and take down the tent. Okay?”

  “Walk, yes. Hand in hand, no.”

  Five minutes later the poles were in pieces again and tucked into the carry bag along with the nylon tent itself. Wes made a neat stack of the extra firewood beside the pit and carried the boxes of supplies to where Frank’s car was parked. Leaning against a fender, he studied the lot.

  It was as if they’d never been there.

  “Looks a little lonely, huh?” Lillian said as she came up to lean beside him.

  “Somebody new will pull in tonight or tomorrow. They’ll have breakfast with Al and Millie and explore the caves like we did.”

  Lillian gave a small laugh. “I don’t think anybody can duplicate our cave experience.”

  Wes took a chance and said, “You still mad about your phone?”

  “It’s insured.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I can reload all the information off my laptop or tablet. I’m a great believer in backing things up.”

  The only thing Wes backed up was the Javelin. His cell phone was old school. As long as he could make calls and get them, he didn’t need to text or download anything. He refused to be an electronic-dependent geek.

  “Here comes Frank.” Lillian pointed toward the portly figure coming their way. “Make sure you load everything yourself.”

  Wes rolled his eyes. She probably noticed but for once didn’t say anything. Probably because she figured Frank might overhear.

  He wasn’t surprised when she made sure to take the front passenger seat. Nor was he surprised when she gave him a “let me have this one” look. He was no longer useful which meant she expected him to sit like a lump in the back seat.

  Frank slapped Wes on the shoulder as he lifted the last of the equipment boxes into the spacious trunk.

  “Beautiful out here. Just beautiful. If my wife didn’t hate the outdoors, I’d bring her out here for a few days. I can tell it would do us good just looking at the two of you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a couple who looked more satisfied.”

  Or a bigger pair of liars. The thought stuck with Wes all the way back to Lexington. The transition was gradual but by the time they reached the hotel, Lillian reverted back to the no-nonsense, all-business woman who had railed about not being able to weasel out of his contract.

  He wondered if she realized she still had on her yard sale clothes. He smiled at the memory of her in suit and heels, sitting in bird crap and being stuck in the turf. And the hissy fit she’d pitched when he found her some suitable clothes. He figured they’d end up in the trash or a donation bin as soon as she got home but no one could take that memory from him.

  Too bad she’d forget about him as soon as he was out of her face. Any lingering doubts he had about her feelings toward him were dispelled once Frank dropped them and they walked into the very nice suite he’d reserved for them. Lillian snapped open her briefcase before the door closed behind them, booting up her laptop and bringing up the graphics she’d prepared.

  “Order me something.” She gave the order without looking at Wes. “Simple, like a salad. With grilled chicken if you can. Oh, and a pot of tea. Earl Grey.”

  Wes did a slow burn. That damned contract called for him to pose as her old man, not become her personal assistant. She could call in her own order.

  “Sorry, Lil, I’ve got things to do.”

  She was sputtering, “What did you say?” as he walked out, closing the door with a satisfying slam. He’d put on a damned suit and tie to eat with Frank and hightail it when she told him to. He’d already gone way beyond his duties now.

  ****

  Lillian’s hands closed into fists. She shouted, “Run away, then!” at the door beyond where Wes had disappeared. She’d never met such a moody man. All she’d done was ask him to order lunch. That was no reason to stomp off.

  Then again, who said men were reasonable? Isolation and sunstroke. Those were the only reasons she could have slept with the guy. Not that she regretted those nights. Men did stuff like that all the time without a second thought.

  She sighed and picked up the phone. She realized when her lunch came that this was first meal she’d eaten alone since Frank dumped them at the park. Funny how those few days had made her remember what it was like to share conversation over food. She smiled at the memory of eating with Mindy’s family. They were nice people.

  “Forget that.” She had a goal, which did not include sitting around picnic tables or playing catch. Win this campaign and her business was safe. That was her sole focus. Had to be.

  The afternoon flew past as she pul
led up every piece of the campaign she’d created back home and revamped it to reflect the new family recreation line. The slogans that seemed clever didn’t fit anymore.

  Mindy’s face popped into her mind. A cute kid would be the perfect spokesperson. Lillian logged into her favorite photo sites and searched for the right piece of artwork.

  “Aha!” She downloaded a picture with a grinning boy and a dog that looked a lot like Bud’s Border collie Prissy. A few flicks of the mouse and she inserted a tent just like she and Wes had slept in behind the duo. A little more tweaking and a beautiful sunset added atmosphere.

  Lillian clicked save and moved on to the 30- second video she’d created. She rolled her eyes. Talk about stiff and clichéd. Could she save it? Should she save it?

  She viewed it once more and realized the answer was no. She linked her hands behind her head and closed her eyes. Think, she ordered herself. Think. What was the most memorable moment of her camping experience?

  Wes.

  Her eyes popped open. She so didn’t need to obsess about him now. Crystalize the feeling of those days. Distill it to its essence.

  “What a bunch of hooey.” She shoved the chair back and grabbed her suitcase. A shower and real clothes, not somebody else’s castoffs, and she’d be back to her old self. That was the ticket.

  Showering with luxurious body wash and taking advantage of real shampoo and conditioner made her feel clean for the first time since she’d left. The time away from the computer also let Lillian clear her head. She had until tomorrow to finish the campaign but only an hour to make herself presentable.

  The click of the door lock had her craning her neck to make sure it was Wes walking in.

  It was. He walked past the bathroom door without bothering to look in at Lillian curling her hair. His steps were muffled as he continued to the other side of the room. She resisted the temptation to call his name. Let the big baby pout.

  Before she finished the last curl, he said three words to her: “I’ll be downstairs.” Wes disappeared before she could answer.

  ****

  Frank Lovejoy leaned against the brass-trimmed hotel bar, a glass of amber liquid in his hand. Wes walked over and shook the man’s hand before ordering straight Kentucky bourbon for himself.

  “Good choice,” Frank said.

  “Seemed like the only one since I’m standing in Lexington.”

  “True enough.” Frank gestured toward an empty table with four chairs. “Shall we head over there while we wait for your wife?”

  “Sure.” Wes tried to pretend he was completely comfortable in the suit. One trick he’d picked up from his father was to never undo his tie. Slipping down the knot so he could pull the thing back on without having to tie it had paid off today. He’d managed to change in five minutes, which was about four minutes more than he’d liked.

  “Tell me a little about yourself,” Frank suggested after they settled in two of the barrel chairs.

  Wes knew he should spin the kind of lie that would make Lil happen. He’d had his fill of trying to do that. Honesty, he decided, was today’s policy. It might not be best but it was his.

  “I’m a city boy.” He sipped his bourbon. “The closest I get to the great outdoors is mowing the lawn. My fire-building skills are limited to lighting up one of those fake logs in my mom’s fireplace.”

  Frank grinned. “I had a feeling that was the case.”

  Wes carefully framed what he said next. There was no reason to completely trash whatever Lil had made up about him.

  “My wife is a little embarrassed by how I make a living.”

  “She told me you own a construction company.”

  “Actually it’s a handyman service.” That, he decided, wasn’t stretching the truth too far. “Plus I’m beginning to restore classic cars.”

  Frank’s face brightened. “Really. You’ll have to come see my ‘66 Mustang one of these days.”

  Deep in a conversation about flathead motors, Wes didn’t realize Lillian was behind him until Frank stood. He pushed his own chair back and stood as well.

  “Hey, hon.” He turned and kissed her cheek.

  “Looks like you two are hitting it off.” Wes sensed irritation under her casual words.

  “Like a house on fire,” Frank agreed. “We’ve been talking cars.”

  “How interesting.” Lillian sat between the two men. “I’ve been reviewing the campaign. I think you’ll be pleased.”

  Frank patted her hand. “I can’t wait to see it tomorrow.”

  Wes figured that ought to push her buttons, especially when Frank asked if they’d ever been to the Kentucky Derby. He hadn’t but he’d bet on the Derby more than once. The conversation about the Triple Crown races continued as the three of them moved into the dining room.

  Occupied with what might have been the best steak he’d ever eaten, Wes paid little attention when Lillian fell into conversation with Frank. This was her party after all. He was window dressing. Supposed to be anyway.

  He shook Frank’s hand and said goodnight when Lillian declined an after-dinner drink for both of them. The guy was a talker and Wes wanted nothing more than peace and quiet. And a long, hot shower.

  He should have known he wouldn’t get it.

  ****

  Lillian stalked into the room and tossed her key card on the desk beside her laptop.

  “Did you have to do that?” she demanded.

  “What?” Wes loosened his tie and yanked it off. He followed with his suit jacket, tossing it on the bed.

  “You know what you did.” Lillian stood in front of his, hands on her hips and her foot tapping. “Frank. Guy talk. Undermining me.”

  “Give it a rest, will you?” Wes began to unbutton his shirt. He was tired and he was going to bed.

  “Stop.” Lillian’s hand halted his task. “You’re still under contract to me.”

  “Yes, your highness.” He gave a sharp salute. “Let’s not forget that.”

  “Quit.” Lillian flopped onto the king sized bed. Wes studied her as she lay there staring at the ceiling. She looked tired. Gorgeous but exhausted. An unexpected sympathy filled him. Lil was not one to roll with the punches and they’d been hit pretty well the last few days.

  Besides she couldn’t help herself. He figured she’d been born with that superior, bossy attitude. Changing something built into her would be pretty tough.

  He tried to figure out what he could do to make her feel better. Not booze. She’d had enough of that over dinner. He’d make coffee in that little pot in the bathroom but the caffeine would probably keep her awake and he’d be in trouble for that.

  Wes smiled to himself. Every woman he’d ever dated had loved getting a massage from him. He’d start at her shoulders and go wherever she’d let him after that.

  Sitting next to where she lay, he said, “I know what will make you feel better.”

  Lillian exploded the instant his fingers touched her.

  “Sex is not the answer to everything.” She pulled away and jumped up. Fixing him with a glare, she retreated to the far wall.

  “Damn woman, I don’t want to screw you. Do you ever think about anything else?”

  She was out of the room almost before the words left his mouth. He supposed it was only fair, since he’s stomped out last time. Still, he wished she’d stayed. He wanted his Lil back, the one she’d shown him at the park.

  The TV kept him occupied until well after midnight. Yawning, he clicked the set off and pulled off his pants and shirt to slide naked under the covers. Lillian had seen everything he had by now and he intended to be comfortable.

  ****

  He woke to full sun and Lillian pulling on her suit jacket. He glanced at the side of the bed she should have occupied which was undisturbed. The pillows on the sofa were a clear indicator of where she’d spent the night.

  “Get dressed,” she said. “We’re expected for breakfast.”

  Wes slid out of the bed and pulled on his clothes from t
he day before. He shoved the soft chair in front of the door and stretched out his legs, ankles crossed.

  “I’m not doing anything until we talk.”

  Lillian held up a hand in obvious exasperation.

  “Look, don’t start now. My entire future, personal and professional, depends on Frank Lovejoy. We promised to meet him for omelets at the restaurant in his building. There’s nothing urgent between us anyway.”

  She stopped and snapped her fingers.

  “Your performance bonus, right? I’ll e-mail my assistant and tell her to double your pay. Is that acceptable?”

  “Whatever.” Wes closed his eyes and tipped back his head, not wanting to witness Lillian’s transformation from the softer, open woman he’d spent four days with back to the dragon lady who’d threatened to sue him if he didn’t do what she said. This woman wouldn’t have played catch with Mindy and her brother, or accepted a fellow camper’s recipe for apple crisp.

  He was going to miss Lil. But not enough to put up with the woman she was reverting to.

  “Wes! Move. You’ve got fifteen minutes until we leave.”

  He stood up and shoved the chair toward the bed before taking residence in it again. He closed his eyes once more to keep from meeting Lillian’s eyes and pretended he couldn’t hear her tirade. She eventually fell silent. He listened to the closet door open and close and then her leaving.

  Eyes open, he stretched and looked at the clock. She’d been serious about that fifteen-minute thing. Heading over to grab clean clothes, he saw her note on the top of the television.

  Wes read it. Scanned it a second time. Then saw red. He wasn’t her servant. He didn’t need a numbered to-do list, as if he’d get himself into trouble if left to his own devices. She could—he checked the list again—number one, book their return flight, number two, arrange for a shuttle to the airport and number three, make reservations for dinner.