Perfect Fit

by Taige Crenshaw

  Regina listened, shocked, as he went through all her partners and many of the Locke family and their mutual friends, and how they all had been keeping him informed about her and trying to convince him he was an ass.

  “All those people. None of them said a word.”

  “At first I thought you’d sent them. But then I realised you hadn’t.” Spencer shook his head. “We have a set of interfering people in our life. But living with one is worse.”

  “Dris? Why would he be trying to convince you of anything to do with me?” Regina winced as she heard how harsh her tone was.

  Spencer looked at her sharply. “Why wouldn’t he? He loves you. You’re family, Regina.”

  I almost killed him. She shut down the thought before any memories could form. She didn’t say anything further on the subject of Spencer’s brother and focused on her food.

  “Regina.”

  “How’s work at the hospital?” she asked, cutting a piece of steak, then looking at him.

  Spencer looked like he had a question, and when he opened his mouth, she clenched her fork. “It’s good. Crazy as usual. This p…”

  Regina relaxed as he changed the subject. She listened as he filled her in on some of the funny things that happened at the hospital.

  This almost feels like old times. We can do this, find each other again. Throughout dinner, they talked with the old camaraderie of before. Slowly, she felt relief, and more importantly, hope seeped in. Later, after they’d finished eating, he shooed her out of the kitchen while he cleaned. In the living room, Regina sat on the couch. She spotted the divorce papers that were still on the centre table then grabbed them and hurried to her home office just off the living room. She tucked them away in her desk drawer, then went back and sat on the couch. She reclined, smiling as she heard Spencer singing along with the CD as he cleaned the kitchen. Soon, the music cut off and he entered the living room. Regina grabbed the remote and turned on the TV. Leaning back, she selected a station.

  “For the love of God. I can’t escape from Bones.”

  “What? It’s a new episode. You like this show.” She stared at him, confused.

  “I do, but Dris is even more in love with it than you are.” Spencer grinned. “I remember the marathon weekends you all made me sit through of all the seasons.”

  “I like the show.” Regina smiled tightly and shrugged. “If you don’t want to watch you can go to bed.”

  “I didn’t say I didn’t want to watch.” Spencer frowned. He came towards her and sat at the other end of the couch.

  Damn it. Way to go, Regina. Regina looked at the distance between them and wondered how they would ever bridge it. There was so much between them.

  * * * *

  Days later, Regina leant back against her chair in her office at Moments and wondered what had happened to no silence. After that first night, it had started to feel like it had just before Spencer had left for over a year. In the last few days when she’d got home, Spencer was already there, but getting ready to leave to go to work. He’d had enough time to have dinner with her, then watch a little TV before leaving. The comfort that they had experienced in the first part of his return home had been absent. They were like two strangers in a house—it wasn’t a feeling she enjoyed at all. It had led to his leaving, and she feared it would happen again.

  “You haven’t heard a word I’ve said, Reggie,” someone with a masculine voice spoke close to her ear.

  She jumped then glanced guiltily at Blake Reynolds, the vendor they used for linens. “Sorry. I’m distracted.”

  “I can see that. Usually, you’re the one who is going so fast I have trouble keeping up.”

  “I’m”—Regina rubbed her fingers down the bridge of her nose—“out of sorts.”

  “Reggie.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “If you need to talk, I’m here.”

  She patted his hand. “Thanks, Blake. I appreciate it. I’ll figure it out.”

  “I’m here for you anytime, Reggie,” he said in a low voice.

  Regina’s eyes widened as she realised what he meant. “Blake, I’m married.” She showed him her hand with her ring.

  “I know. And from what I have gleaned, he left you. He’s a fool.” Blake shook his head. “A damn fool.”

  “Well, this damn fool is here to have lunch with his wife.” Spencer’s tone was cheerful.

  Regina recognised it was false and heard the fury in it. She stood, moving away from Blake. “Spencer. I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Obviously.” Spencer was staring at Blake.

  She glanced at Blake and saw him grin. Regina blinked when she realised he was deliberately baiting Spencer. She approached the very handsome man and smacked him on the arm.

  “Quit it. Be nice to Spencer. Don’t act all pompous.”

  “Ah, the wayward husband.” Blake winked at her then strode over to Spencer, putting out his hand. “Blake Reynolds.”

  “Spencer Jacobs. Reggie’s husband. I see you know my wife.” Spencer looked at her, then back to Blake. “Are you pompous?”

  Regina relaxed as Spencer’s tone became his normal one.

  “Sometimes. Are you done being wayward?” Blake replied.

  “Blake!” She pointed at the door. “Go bother Dakota.”

  “Sure.” Blake left, whistling.

  “Who is he?”

  “I don’t think I like your tone.” Regina crossed her arms over her chest. “Or the insinuation. Where the hell did you pop in from, anyway?”

  “You were too focused on the joker.” He jerked his thumb behind him where Blake had exited. “You didn’t notice when I came up the side porch to your office…my usual way I enter Moments.”

  “Usual, but it’s been so long since you have.” Regina tapped her foot. “When you see I’m busy, you don’t come in until I’m done.”

  “You didn’t look busy.” Spencer walked towards her.

  Regina shivered as he moved closer, all sexy and possessive. “I was working. He’s one of our vendors.”

  “What does he sell? Beds?” Spencer paused before her. “Seems like he wanted to get you into one.”

  “He provides us with linens,” she countered, then put up her hand. “I can’t believe you, walking in here acting like I did something wrong. I didn’t.”

  “I know you’d never cheat on me, Reggie.” His tone was sure.

  “Then what was all that? You almost pounded your chest when you said ‘my wife’, and I expected to be dragged off by my hair to your lair or something.” She narrowed her eyes. “Then you calmed so fast. Why?”

  “He wasn’t a threat. You belong to me. It was just a reminder to him…Blake, I think you said…of who has the right to touch you like this.” He leaned close and spoke by her ear. “I’m here for us to have lunch together and to ask my wife on a date.”

  “Huh. A date?” Regina blinked, shivering as she inhaled his woodsy scent. It was from his bath gel and lotion. God, the things it did to her.

  “Don’t sound so shocked. We used to take date nights all the time.”

  “Yeah that was before—” She bit her lip.

  “Exactly.” Spencer ran his thumb over her lip, removing it from between her teeth. “Dating so we can get comfortable again. That’s a new rule.”

  “I’m getting tired of you and these rules.” Regina touched his chest, feeling the muscles beneath his shirt.

  “Rules are good. You only like them when you make them.” Spencer rubbed his thumb along her lip. Regina followed it with her tongue.

  He lowered his hand, taking a step back. “Behave, Reggie.”

  “Hey, I’m not the one who was touching my lip. You are.” She smiled.

  “Put the lunch on the table—I’m going to the bathroom for a moment.” Spencer held up a bag.

  “Where the heck did that come from?” Regina frowned. “You’re acting like Houdini today.”

  “You just didn’t notice me bringing it in. Maybe we can chat about how Blak
e distracted you.” Spencer looked at her pointedly as he handed her the bag.

  “I thought you trusted me.”

  “I do.” Spencer glanced at the door. “It’s him I don’t trust.”

  He went into the little kitchen area she had in her office and placed his cell on the table, then continued across the room to the adjoining full bath off her office.

  Regina moved to the table and opened the Braxton’s restaurant bag. She took out the food, checked the containers then placed what she knew would be his next to his cell on the table, then arranged hers. She got the drinks he had bought and set them down. Regina looked to the bathroom and, seeing Spencer was washing up, she turned and reached for his cell. She quickly scrolled through and did what she needed to do, replaced the cell then sat. Soon, Spencer joined her. He picked up his cell and typed something.

  “Who are you texting?”

  “Dakota, to let him know lunch is here.”

  She stared at him.

  “I picked up lunch for those at the office who wanted it. It’s at the front desk.”

  Regina recalled the times he’d come to the office to have lunch with her. He had always checked before to see who wanted something from Braxton’s, the restaurant that they often ordered from.

  “You didn’t call me.”

  “Because I knew what you would say—‘just bring me something. You know what I like’. That’s what you would have said.” Spencer opened his container then held out a wrapped set of utensils to her.

  Regina took them and glared. “Mister Know-It-All.” She couldn’t dispute him since he was right.

  “Nope. That’s Dris.” He smiled.

  Regina flinched before she controlled it.

  Spencer stared. “What is with you? Do you have a problem with Dris?”

  “No. It’s nothing. Just a cramp in my leg.” She lied and didn’t regret it—she couldn’t tell him what was wrong. To admit it would open wounds she didn’t want to. Not now. Maybe never. You promised to talk about things. She pushed that thought away.

  “Let me take a look.” Spencer went to stand.

  “Only if you go north of my leg right in the centre.” Regina smiled innocently.

  “Behave, Regina.” Spencer settled back in his chair.

  “What? There’s aching too.” Regina blinked. “Aren’t you a doctor who is supposed to treat people? I need treatment, Doctor.”

  “Stop.” He laughed and picked up his fork. “Now, about our date. If nothing comes up tomorrow night, we can go out.”

  “Aren’t you working the night shift?” Regina opened her own container.

  “Not after today. I switched back to days,” he stated.

  Regina stopped, staring at him. “Why?”

  “You know, before a year ago, I used to work day shift.” He shrugged. “Time to go back to it.”

  Regina realised it was because of her. He’d been working day shift since he’d taken over the ER so they could spend time together, which had been difficult with them working opposing hours. That he’d done so again now it made her know, more than ever, he was serious about giving them a chance. She took a breath and vowed to meet him halfway.

  “I’d love to go on a date with you tomorrow, Mr Jacobs.” Regina placed her hand on the table.

  Spencer put his hand on top of hers. “I’ll pick you up at six-thirty in our foyer, Mrs Jacobs.”

  She breathed deeply—she loved hearing him say it, and he knew it. Regina squirmed in her chair, fighting the urge to go around the table and kiss him. Spencer’s grin told her he knew the effect he was having on her. She returned his smile and watched his fade as his eyes widened.

  “It’s not good to tempt me, Doc.”

  “Christ, they’re playing doctor already. Get a room, guys.” Dakota strolled in carrying a container and a drink.

  Regina frowned at him. “We are in a room…my office, to be exact. I’m having lunch with my husband.” She looked at Spencer. He winked and chuckled. Regina glanced back at Dakota, then frowned when she spotted Blake then the rest of her partners entering—all carrying food from Braxton’s. Julianne came in last with Keenan Callaghan, her fiancé.

  “Are we having a party?”

  “Spencer deigned to grace up with his presence. It is a party that we haven’t had in a long time,” Dakota retorted.

  “F—”

  “Behave, Reggie.” Spencer moved to her side of the table, bringing his food with him. He sat on the arm of her chair.

  Julianne took a seat and Keenan the other. The others spread out around them, some sitting on chairs and others the floor. Before she knew it, they were all eating and chatting. Spencer was even getting along with Blake. Regina shook her head. She should have known they would find their way here. It happened whenever Spencer came by for lunch, which was rarely. They were all close so when he came by, the partners found their way to join them for lunch. Spencer used to come to many of their functions or get-togethers, but it was iffy as to whether he actually stayed or was called into the hospital. Regina leaned against him and ate her food without really tasting it. She was just enjoying being with him and their friends.

  Spencer’s cell rang, and he glanced at the display, then at her. Regina placed his partially finished lunch in the bag as he answered. She didn’t listen to his conversation, already knowing what was coming. It was usually a variation of what happened, but the same result—he was leaving for an emergency. She was used to it as a doctor’s wife. She smiled even as she thought it. She hadn’t felt like one in a while.

  “Sorry, guys, gotta go,” Spencer spoke, capturing her attention.

  Their friends and Blake gave him their goodbyes. Regina rose and lifted the bag, carrying it as she followed him to the terrace door. They paused by the door and she looked at him.

  “Be safe.”

  “You always say that.” Spencer grinned softly. “Missed it.”

  “Me too.” She handed him the bag. “See you soon.”

  “I’ll be home after you’ve already left for work in the morning.” He touched her cheek. “I’m looking forward to our date.”

  “Ditto.” She pushed him playfully. “Now, go make people well.”

  He chuckled then left. She leaned against the doorjamb and watched as he crossed the expansive porch. Regina took her cell out of her pocket, then dialled. She smiled as Trust by Keyshia Cole featuring Monica started to ring. Spencer stopped, frowning and looking at his cell. He turned his head, staring at her and inclining his head. Spencer lifted his hand, and she waved. Then he went down the steps, disappearing from view. She disconnected the call.

  “Why did you change his ringtone this time?” Julianne came to join her.

  She looked at her friend. The happiness on her face radiated through her whole being. Regina was so happy that after the tragedy Julianne had gone through losing her first husband, she’d managed to find someone again. She glanced to where Spencer had gone. Hopefully, this was also a new start with her old love.

  “He pulled a caveman with Blake.” Regina glanced at Julianne. “You could have told me, Jules, that Blake”—she glanced at the room beyond and noted no one was looking at them, but lowered her voice anyway—“liked liked me.”

  “Ahhh…so you finally noticed. I was wondering how long it would take you to figure it out. Hell, we all were.” Julianne grinned. “Dakota owes me a hundred bucks. He thought you never would.”

  “You bet on me?”

  “Yep. A hundred.” Julianne shoved her shoulder. “We can go to Simply Essential to get some housedresses to drive Spencer insane. They’re having a sale.”

  “Only if you’re buying something for me out of that hundred.” She thought of her date. “I have a date with my husband. I need to go to the shop later to get something to wear. Wanna come?”

  “Sure.” Julianne studied her. “Don’t let the silence linger.”

  Regina knew what she meant. She remember their conversation a few months ago when she’
d told Julianne that very thing. Regina nodded.

  “Good. It’s great to see you two together again.”

  “We have things to work out.”

  “Yes. But now you’re under the same roof. That’s a start back to each other.” Julianne clapped her hands. “Now, we’ll have to outfit you so you can bring him to his knees.”

  “If only I can be that lucky,” she muttered.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” Regina linked her arms with her. “We’ll go after work.”

  “Why wait? It’s not like we have anything pressing to do.” Julianne turned them to face the room. “Who’s up to a trip to Simply Essential? Regina has a date with Spencer.”

  The women all agreed to go, already getting up. The men rose, looking resigned, then met by the table. Regina watched, confused, as Keenan, Dakota and Byron—another of her partners and Dakota’s brother—placed out their hands, then made the gestures of rock, paper, scissors then shot. Blake watched too, his expression as confused as she felt.

  “What is that about?”

  Julianne laughed, then said, “I took Keenan to the shop, and it was sensory overload for him. He loved the results, but hated the shopping. He said too many women were ogling him. Hell, he’s a handsome man. He should expect it. He didn’t like that there were so many men there, either, even though some were there with other women. Said they were watching me too much.” Julianne rolled her eyes. “He’s jealous, but won’t admit it. He started a movement between the men in the family and friends that if any of us say we are going in any of their presences, one of the men would have to go with us to make sure we’re safe from the marauding men.” Julianne up her hands. “Those were his words.”

  “And you let him get away with that?” Regina looked at them in disbelief.

  She saw they were talking low to Blake. He blinked, then started to laugh.

  “He thinks he is. I’ve already dissuaded the men. Dakota and Byron know better and are just humouring him. They find it funny that he gave me a ring”—she wiggled her finger—“and now he’s jealous when he wasn’t before. I figure it’s upcoming wedding jitters. He’ll get over it soon. Or I’ll make him.” Julianne’s grin was fierce.