If Only You Knew

by Carla Fredd

  "I understand. How was the meeting?"

  He sighed in frustration. "About as bad as I thought it would be. I will definitely be here the whole five days trying to straighten out this mess."

  "Oh." Her disappointment clear in her voice.

  "Yes—oh."

  "Well, when you're in your meetings, just remember this—I have a lot of gifts you haven't seen from my bridal shower."

  "Anna May, are you flirting with me?" he asked in surprise.

  "No, I'm trying to seduce you. Is it working?"

  His laugh was low, deep, and sexy. "You'll have to wait until I come back to find out."

  "Is that a challenge, Garrick?" she asked with a smile.

  "You could say that, Anna May," was his amused reply.

  "You're on."

  "Are you sure? You know I've had a bit more experience in this area than you," he said, making each word sound like a caress.

  "Don't be so conceited."

  "I'm not conceited. I'm just sure of my abilities."

  "We'll see how sure you are of your abilities when you get home," she said mockingly.

  "No, you'll see how sure I am of my abilities when I get home."

  "Okay. Ric?"

  "Yes?"

  "Hurry home."

  Anna May was paid to read the newspaper. Every business day, she and her co-workers read international, national, and local newspapers. It was their job to gather and analyze articles on their company and their competitors. It was in the local Atlanta business paper that she saw the brief article mentioning Ric and his brother, Adam Wilson. According to the article, Wilson and Wilson's stock price had reached an all-time low. The major reasons for the drop in prices were a failure to win a city of Atlanta bid and the failure to establish a partnership with the Justice Company. The reporter ended the article with a prediction that Wilson and Wilson would be in dire circumstances by the end of the year if they didn't win a major contract soon.

  She folded the paper and placed it on her desk. Surely Ric wouldn't let his brother's company go under? She couldn't imagine allowing either of her brothers to struggle and not offering assistance. But Ric hadn't been raised to help family. Leaning back in her chair, she wondered what if anything she should do? Should she stay out of it? After all, it was Ric's business. He knew what was best for his company.

  In her heart of hearts, she knew she couldn't stand back and do nothing. As far as she was concerned, Adam Wilson was family by marriage. There had to be some way to help him, she thought.

  With a snap of her fingers, she said, "Janet" As a stockbroker, Janet had access to various avenues of corporate information, and she could also get information from other stockbrokers on Adam Wilson's company.

  She placed the call to Janet

  "Janet Hill speaking."

  "Janet, it's Anna May."

  "Anna May. Anna May? The name sounds familiar. I had a friend named Anna May once. But she got married a few weeks ago and fell off the face of the earth."

  "Janet," she cried.

  "Well, I guess I should give you a break since you're still a newlywed," Janet said dryly.

  "Friends. They just don't make them like they used to."

  "Ha! Give me a break."

  Anna May laughed. Janet could always make her laugh with her dry humor. She was going to have to invite the Ladies' Club over soon. There was a hint of seriousness in Janet's comment about her dropping off the face of the earth. She didn't want her girlfriends to feel as if she was ignoring them. Maybe she would have them over during the week while Ric was still out of town. Ric was the reason she'd called Janet in the first place.

  "Janet, I've got a favor to ask."

  "What is it?"

  "What do you know about an Atlanta-based company called Wilson and Wilson?"

  "It doesn't ring a bell. Why? Are you interested in buying stock?"

  Anna May was reluctant to tell her the real reason she wanted the information about Wilson and Wilson. Janet was her friend, and she could trust her with anything—but this was something she had to work through on her own for now. "I don't know yet. Could you find out what you can on the company and get back to me as soon as possible?"

  "Sure, I'll ask around. I'm sure someone else here knows about them," Janet said, her voice filled with curiosity.

  "I appreciate it."

  They talked for ten minutes before the demands of their jobs forced them to end the call. Anna May reached for the newspaper. She hoped Janet uncovered information about Adam Wilson as well as his company. She wanted to know more about Ric's little brother, and she hoped he was a good man. Ric needed his family. Her family would be there for him, but he needed and deserved to know his brother. And if she could make it possible, she would.

  A large brown box sat on Anna May's desk when she returned from lunch later that afternoon. She'd eaten lunch in the small cafeteria in the building rather than join a few of her co-workers who'd braved the arctic-like temperatures outside for a Varsity hamburger. Anna May smiled in delight when she saw the return address. It was the address of Ric's hotel in Los Angeles. Ric hadn't wasted any time. He had to have bought the gift last night and had it sent overnight, she thought. She opened her desk drawer and removed a pair of scissors. With more speed than grace, she opened the cardboard box. Small, colorful bottles of scented oils and candles created a rainbow of colors among the white Styrofoam packing materials. The assortment of smells blended together and brought to mind a rich botanical garden in full bloom. She took a deep breath to savor the sweet scent.

  She could feel her muscles relax as the fragrance began to fill her office. Ric. She had to give it to him. The gift certainly melted her heart and he knew she was a sucker for pretty things. She removed a blue bottle, and her gaze moved to a folded sheet of paper with her name printed on the front. She put the bottle in the box and read the note. To remind you of our wedding night. Ric.

  "Like I'm going to forget" she muttered to herself as she sat in her chair. With a single sentence, he'd made her think of the most wonderful night of her life. Warmth spread through her as she remembered each touch, each sight and each sound of that night. One thing would have made the night perfect: if Ric told her he loved her.

  She was working on it. He wouldn't let himself love anyone, and until he made peace with his family, she knew he couldn't really love her. Ric's past was the bridge that led to his future. He'd taken the first step when he invited his aunt and uncle to dinner. Anna May was going to make sure he kept moving in the right direction and developed a relationship with his brother. Janet had called her just before lunch. From what Janet had learned about Wilson and Wilson and Adam Wilson, Anna May knew she had to help. Adam seemed a lot like Ric. Tough, driven, and smart. She didn't know why Ric refused to help him. It couldn't be for the reason Janet suggested. Ric wouldn't wait until his brother's company was on the brink of bankruptcy before buying the company.

  She wouldn't believe it.

  The more she thought about Adam Wilson, the more she wanted to know about his mother. Ric's mother. What kind of woman left one son and kept another?

  There was one person who could answer her question. Flipping the pages of her black leather Daytimer, she found the Stewards' telephone number. She picked up the handset and dialed the number. Mr. Steward's prerecorded voice on their answering machine requested her name, number, and a brief message. Anna May left a message for Mrs. Steward, hoping to hear from her by the end of the day. She didn't hear from Mrs. Steward until the following week when they'd returned from their vacation.

  Ric entered his hotel room at eight o'clock that evening. Setting his leather briefcase on the desk, he loosened his tie and unbuttoned the top button of his shirt.

  This business trip seemed more troublesome than any other trip he'd made. The problems he faced with the small Los Angeles-based engineering firm weren't unique. What had changed was his attitude. He still wanted to solve the problems with the company, but now he wante
d the problems solved quickly and without much fuss. What he wanted was to go home to his wife.

  Shedding the navy double-breasted suit jacket, he draped it over the back of a chair, then reached for the telephone. The three-hour time difference would make it eleven o'clock in Atlanta. He remembered how tired she'd been when he'd left and hoped she wasn't in bed. She answered on the first ring.

  "Hello." Her voice sounded a little breathless. It sounded sexy.

  "Hi," he said as he sat down on the bed. Until he heard her voice, he hadn't realized just how much he'd missed her. "Did I wake you?"

  "No. I was hoping you'd call. How's it going?"

  "Slow," he replied. "Very, very slow."

  "I'm sorry."

  "Yeah—me, too. How are you doing? Are you feeling okay?"

  "I'm fine. Oh, and I got your package. It was very nice," she said grudgingly.

  He smiled at her tone of voice. "I'm glad you like it. You're pretty easy to please when it comes to gifts."

  "What do you mean?"

  "You like anything colorful, bright, and different like that red sweater of yours. You could use that sweater as a beacon it's so bright, and it suits you."

  "I like my sweater. It's cheery," she said.

  He liked the sweater, too. The soft wool molded to her breasts like a lover's hands. He'd had many a daydream about removing that sweater. "I like it, too," he said.

  They talked for thirty minutes. When Anna May could no longer hold back a yawn, he said, "I better let you get some sleep."

  "I guess I'm more tired than I realized," she said.

  "Good night, Anna May."

  "Good night, Ric. Hurry home."

  Chapter 14

  On Friday Anna May left her office an hour earlier than her normal time of six thirty, among joking remarks from her co-workers on impatient newlyweds. She didn't mind their jokes. Ric was coming home today, and she wanted everything just right for his return. His flight was due to land in an hour. When she arrived home, she taped a note on the door which led to the garage, took a shower, changed into one of her silky teddies, and lit the scented candles he'd given her, which she placed around the bedroom. Everything was ready. The only thing missing was Ric.

  Nervously she rearranged the candleholders on the nightstand. Five days had seemed like an eternity to be away from him. Now that the time was near for his return, she could hardly wait. When she realized she'd placed the candleholders in the exact same position she'd had them before, she forced herself to sit down on the bed. Nervously, she fingered the ring Ric had given her years ago. She let her gaze wander around the bedroom. The dim candlelight provided a warm glow to the room and an air of romance. The light scent of jasmine was provided by the burning candles.

  Tonight would be a night to remember. Never had she realized how sexy it was just to talk to him. Their telephone bill was going to be huge. They'd talked to each other on the telephone until they could barely remain awake. It was as if they couldn't get enough of the other's company. She knew she couldn't get enough of his. The distance between them had made her realize how much she cherished Ric's company.

  It also made her realize how much she loved him.

  She nearly jumped off the bed when she saw the flash of car lights out of the window. It took nearly all her self-control to stay in the bedroom and not run downstairs to greet him. He would find her note soon. She didn't have long to wait. Her heart raced as she listened to the rapid footsteps on the stairs.

  Then he was there. Standing in the doorway like a king surveying his dominion, holding her note in his hand. His gaze like a physical caress touched and moved her.

  "I see you found my note," she said. Her voice sounded shaky to her own ears.

  He held up the sheet of paper. "Do you mean it?" His voice was husky with emotion.

  "I mean it," she said.

  He crossed the room and stood in front of her. "Then say it."

  Anna May looked into his eyes and said softly, "I love you, Ric."

  She didn't know who moved first, but suddenly their lips were joined in a deeply passionate kiss.

  Tenderness and desire intertwined as she pressed her body against his. It was as if saying the words to him had opened a floodgate of desire inside her. Her hands smoothed over his shoulders, and there was a muffled swish as his jacket fell to the floor. His cologne mingled with the sweet smell of jasmine, sending her senses reeling.

  His hands guided the straps of her teddy off her shoulders, and within seconds the lacy creation bunched at her waist. He lifted his head and stepped out of her embrace. With gentle hands, he pushed the teddy over her hips and thighs until the silky fabric spread like a pool at her bare feet.

  She could hear the raspy sound of his breathing and could see his desire for her in his brown eyes. Her world tilted as he swept her off her feet and into his arms. He carried her the short distance to the bed. Gently he laid her on the bed.

  The rustle of fabric broke the silence as his shirt and pants joined his jacket on the bedroom floor. When he wore nothing, he came to the bed. With open arms, Anna May welcomed him.

  A long time later, Ric held Anna May in his arms. The gentle rise and fall of her chest brushed against his side.

  She loved him.

  His Anna May loved him. He couldn't believe it. What had he done to deserve her love? Tightening his arms around her, he wondered how long would her love last?

  "Ric," she murmured drowsily in protest.

  He loosened his embrace and kissed her face. "Sorry. Go back to sleep," he whispered.

  She loved him.

  He wanted to believe it with all his heart. He wanted to hear her say those three words over and over again until they became a part of him. Should he trust in her love? He knew from experience that love lasted only until the other person found someone else to love. Even as the thought came to mind, he knew Anna May wasn't like his mother or grandmother. She knew him. She knew his good points and his bad points. Yet she'd remained his friend for all these years. If she loved him now, she would probably love him a few years down the road.

  If he trusted her to have his child, then he could trust her to love him. His heart filled with joy as he looked at her. Her lips were slightly parted. Thick black lashes rested against her cheeks. He gently touched the chain and ring nestled between her breasts. She was so beautiful and she loved him. He kissed her face once more and whispered, "I love you, Anna May."

  Ric awakened to an empty bed. Sunlight filtered through a thin opening in the curtains. He felt at peace for the first time in a long time.

  His wife loved him.

  He stretched and smiled in satisfaction. It felt good to be loved, he thought to himself. But he needed to tell his wife that he loved her. Ric sat up and looked at the clock on the nightstand. No wonder I'm here alone. Ten o'clock was late even for his wait-to-the-last-minute-to-get-out-of-bed wife.

  The clank of glass tapping against glass along with the soft, muffled sound of someone climbing the stairs interrupted his thoughts and sent his heart racing with anticipation. Seconds later Anna May entered the bedroom carrying a wicker tray. Her shy smile warmed his rapidly beating heart.

  "Morning, sleepyhead," she said as she walked across the room. With each step, the long, forest green robe bared a glimpse of her long legs. The robe was the same color as the teddy she'd worn the night before. He smiled as he recalled how little time she'd spent wearing the teddy.

  "Morning. What's this?" he asked.

  "Breakfast," she replied.

  Ric raised his brows in surprise. "For me?"

  "Yes, for you. Now sit up so I can put this down."

  He propped his pillow on the headboard and leaned back. Anna May placed the tray across his lap. A single plate and two glasses adorned the tray. She'd prepared his favorites: cheese grits, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast with grape jelly, a tall glass of orange juice, and a glass of water.

  He was humbled at her thoughtfulness. She cared eno
ugh to prepare his meal and served it to him in bed. He didn't think anyone had ever done that for him. Ric cleared his throat, but emotions made his voice husky. "Thank you, Anna May."

  "You're welcome," she said then kissed his lips softly.

  "Did you have breakfast already?" he asked as he picked up the fork and scooped up a helping of grits.

  She walked to the other side of the bed and sat down. "Yes, I ate downstairs hours ago. I was starving. You were sleeping so peacefully, I didn't want to wake you."

  He took a bite of the grits and closed his eyes. "Is there any way I can convince you to make cheese grits every weekend?"

  "I don't know. It's a lot of work. Grating cheese, boiling water, standing over a hot stove," she said pondering his request. The serious expression on her face was at odds with the twinkle in her eyes.

  "I understand that it's hard, back-breaking work to make cheese grits, but I think we can negotiate a deal that is satisfactory to both parties."

  Anna May smiled. "And what do you suggest?"

  "You make the cheese grits on the weekends, and I'll give you darn near anything you want," he replied.

  "Anything?" she asked.

  "Anything."

  She lowered her head and looked at him from beneath her eyelashes. "Does today count?"

  Ric took another bite of the grits and nodded. "Today counts."

  "In that case, I know exactly what I want," she said softly.

  He forgot about food when he saw her wickedly sexy smile.

  From her position at his side, Anna May slid her hand down his chest and caressed his stomach. "You never did finish breakfast," she said lazily.

  The tray with a nearly complete breakfast sat on the nightstand. "I think I was distracted." He squeezed her bare shoulder, enjoying the feel of her body next to his.

  "Hmm," she answered caressing his abdomen.

  "Keep that up, and I'm going to get distracted again," he said.