She lay on her back, eyes closed, remembering how he had rubbed her back, caressed her, and folded her in his arms to keep her warm. She could feel the stubble on his chin that morning as he slept with it resting against her forehead. Her heart began to beat rapidly and a hunger for him like a pain went through her; through her lips, her breasts, and into her loins. The pain grew and the blood rushed to her face. Disgusted at her thoughts she flopped over on her stomach and buried her head in the pillow. What’s the matter with me? she thought. I’m like a bitch in heat. Of one thing she was almost sure: Adam would keep their relationship on the present level. If it should ever change, she would have to be the one to make the first move.
Molly kept herself busy during the days that followed. The weather was cold, always hovering around the zero mark. She spent an hour each day out of the house. Tim-Two brought out the sled and harness. She hitched up Dog, who loved every minute of pulling the sled. They went with Tim-Two on short runs to his trap lines. This wasn’t Molly’s favorite thing to do, and she was always relieved when they found them empty.
The moose were coming down out of the hills and into the timber now. Soon the hunting season would be here and Tim-Two would shoot one for the meat it would supply. Molly never stayed around to watch the slaughter or the butchering of the meat. When Tim-Two brought in the neatly wrapped packages from the woodshed, where they were frozen, she would pretend they had come from the meat market in town.
One afternoon she took the snowmobile out alone and enjoyed a ride down the path to the lake and through the timber to the clearing where the helicopter landed. Believing that she had been gone only an hour, she was surprised when she returned to find Adam preparing to go look for her.
“Where in the hell have you been?” he demanded, with the thundercloud look on his face.
“Only down through . . . the timber,” she stammered, surprised at his anger. “Why?”
“Why?” he repeated. “You’ve been gone an hour, that’s why!”
She couldn’t understand why he was so angry, and the questioning look in her violet eyes told him she didn’t understand.
“I saw fresh wolf tracks around the lake yesterday. You’re not to go out of sight of this house without me or Tim-Two. Is that understood?”
“This is the first time I’ve been out by myself.” Her eyes looked squarely into his.
“And it will be the last time, my girl!” he said firmly. “Tim-Two thinks there’s a wolverine about. He saw the sign in his trap lines.”
“But—” she started to explain she had lived here for five years and wasn’t exactly a greenhorn, but he wouldn’t let her say it.
“Don’t argue, Molly. I’ve told you what you cannot do and that’s the end of it.” He took off his parka. As far as he was concerned the matter was closed.
At first Molly was angry at his high-handed method of telling her about the danger, but after thinking about it she understood his concern. Although it was early winter and there was still plenty of small game for the wolves, they were a dangerous lot and not to be trusted. The unpredictable wolverine was another matter altogether. They attacked when and where they wanted, if they were hungry or not, just for the sheer pleasure of the kill. Molly had seen the results of a wolverine kill and it was not a pleasant sight.
The next day Molly hitched Dog to the sled for a ride around the yard. Adam came out to go with her and they headed for the frozen lake. She rode on the sled and Adam on the runners behind. Dog was in rare form. He had two playmates and for more than an hour they played like two children on the ice. When they came back to the house, they sat before the fire and drank hot cocoa. It felt as though they’d been together forever, there was such ease and companionship between them.
The day before the trip to Anchorage, Adam asked if there was any reason why they couldn’t stay overnight in the apartment. He would like to stay two nights, he said, as he had some business he should attend to. They were eating their evening meal at the trestle table and Molly looked across at him in her questioning way.
“It’s perfectly legal as far as the will is concerned, Molly. Charlie didn’t mean for us to spend every day here. And I’m sure your aunt would think twice before she tackled me and my father.”
“I wasn’t thinking of that,” she said. “I was thinking I wouldn’t go this time and you could take care of your business. I’ll go with you when you go again for the day.”
“No, for two reasons. First and foremost, I’ll not leave you here alone overnight, and second, I promised Dad I’d bring you the next time I came in.”
“Then it’s settled,” she conceded.
“I’ll take you out to dinner,” he promised. “We’ll do a night on the town.”
“No,” she said quickly, “that won’t be necessary. I’m not taking suitable evening clothes.” Not that she had suitable clothes to take, she thought dryly.
“That’s no problem. We’ll buy something.”
“No . . . no, I’d rather not.”
“Is that all you can say—‘no, no!’” He laughed at her. “Well, we’ll see.” He was in one of his teasing moods and Molly couldn’t help but laugh with him.
That night she looked over her simple wardrobe. She didn’t have much to choose from. Finally, she picked out two simple dresses to wear during the day, and a pair of wool slacks with matching sweater to wear to and from the city. She laid out toilet articles, a nightie, and the robe and slippers Adam had given her. As an afterthought she tucked in the diamond earrings, the gift from his father.
CHAPTER TEN
THEY WALKED DOWN the snow-packed path to the plane. Adam tucked her in the seat and wrapped her with a blanket before fastening her seat belt. She never tired of watching him. He was so confident, so capable. She had dreaded the trip to town, but now that she was actually on her way, she felt a little thrill of excitement and looked forward to seeing Adam’s father and his Aunt Flo again. The one thing she was sure of was a welcome there. She felt none of the apprehension of the first visit.
Once the plane was in the air Adam told her something about Anchorage. She and her father did all their business in Fairbanks and she admitted she knew little about Alaska’s largest city. Nearly every second Alaskan lives in Anchorage, he told her. It was a sprawling modern city of almost two hundred thousand, located between Cook Inlet and the Chugach mountains. There was considerable damage to the city during the 1964 earthquake, but the rebuilding had been completed, and the city had become a headquarters for large corporations and government agencies. Adam’s father’s company was headquartered there. He said he had little to do with the company, but owned voting stock and attended board meetings.
Adam expressed regret that his native state was fast becoming a “get-rich-quick” oil boom state. Being a strict conservationist, he’d rather the state stayed poor and they kept what they had. He was “between the devil and the deep blue sea,” he explained, wanting to keep Alaska as it was and owning stock in a company manufacturing pipe to lay it to waste.
Adam set the plane down on a runway set aside for the landing of ski planes and they were towed into the hangar by a small vehicle. Adam’s car was in a nearby garage and they were soon on the way to his apartment building. They passed the famous Captain Cook Hotel, and he teasingly told her if she was a “good” girl, he would take her there for dinner.
Molly said nothing, but the thought of going out with him brought terror to her heart. Her confidence was fast leaving her. In the city he appeared different from what he was with her in the cabin. She was frightened that she would do something ridiculous and embarrass him.
As they were going up in the elevator of the apartment building Adam suggested they stop at his apartment and freshen up before going up to see his father. He opened the door and Molly went in and looked around. She was not as astonished at his collection of things as she had been the first time she visited here. Somehow after knowing him better she understood his desire to keep t
hese pleasant mementos of his travels.
He carried her case to the bedroom she had used before.
“Shall we have a good bath and use all the hot water we want to?” Amusement brightened his dark eyes.
“Why, not,” she answered. “What time does your father expect us?”
“I’ll call and tell Ganson we’ll be up in about an hour. Okay?”
“Okay,” she echoed. “Are you glad to be back in civilization?”
“I don’t know if you would call this civilization. It’s pretty much of a jungle, but I’ll admit I enjoy the hot shower!”
Molly hung her two dresses and the robe in the closet, and opened the drawer of the dressing table to put away her toilet articles. A lipstick rolled to the front of the drawer when she opened it. She picked it up and looked at it. It wasn’t one of hers and she was sure it hadn’t been in the drawer when she was here before. A queer, tight little feeling closed in around her heart. Had Adam brought a girl here on one of his visits to see his father? He said he was accustomed to being with a woman. No! She wouldn’t think about it! She had no right to feel disappointed. He was perfectly free to do as he pleased as long as he abided by the terms of her father’s will. She put the offending tube out of her sight in another drawer and went into the bathroom to take her bath.
Wallowing in the deep tub filled with the sweet-scented water, Molly forced her mind to dwell on how she could dress her hair. Not being used to the shorter length, she had been letting it hang, held back by a band, but that wouldn’t do here. She didn’t want to look like a teen-ager. She decided to try and roll it into a flat bun on top of her head, somewhat as she used to coil her braids. If that wouldn’t do, she would try a bun at the nape of her neck. Either way would make her look a little more sophisticated.
She chose to wear the plum-colored wool dress. It had simple lines and a flared skirt that swayed gently as she walked. She slipped her feet into the black pumps and sat for a long while brushing her hair, trying to decide on a style. After several attempts to make a bun on top of her head she had to settle for one at the nape of her neck. She was applying plum-colored lipstick to match her dress when Adam knocked on the door, then opened it and came in. She looked at him through the dressing table mirror. A lump rose up in her throat so that she could hardly swallow.
He had just come from his shower. His hair was damp and curling. He had on a light tan knit shirt tucked snugly into navy blue trousers. The long-sleeve shirt was opened at the neck and she caught a glimpse of the curly black hair on his chest where she had once laid her cheek. His eyes held hers for a long moment. The pulse at the base of her throat beat madly, and she saw him lower his eyes to look at it. She remembered the spot his mouth had made on her neck and she desperately wanted to look to see if it was still there, but she didn’t dare take her eyes from his. He broke the silence.
“Why did you pin up your hair for God’s sake?” He came to where she sat facing the mirror. “What’s the matter with the way you wear it at home?”
“Because this makes me look my age,” she replied, her voice quite matter-of-fact.
“It makes you look ridiculous!” His fingers went to her neck and he started to remove the pins.
“Adam!” She tried to twist away from him. “It took me a long time to get it pinned up.”
“I like it the other way,” he insisted. “Beautiful things should not be pinned up or tied down.” He continued taking out the pins. “Now give me the brush.” He held out his hand.
She slapped the brush down into his hand with emphasis. He stood behind her and brushed her hair with long, even strokes. He brushed it straight back over her forehead and behind her ears. He brushed it from under the nape of her neck. At last he was satisfied and handed the brush back to her.
“Where’s one of those ribbon things?”
“I didn’t bring one,” she said sulkily.
“I’ll send Ganson to get one.”
“No . . . no . . . , I’ve got a white one here in the drawer.”
“I thought you did.” He grinned. “I saw it this morning.”
She handed it to him and he slipped it under her hair and across the top of her head.
“Now you look like Molly again.” He took her hand and pulled her up from the seat. “You look very, very pretty!” he said, and kissed her on the nose. “Let’s go. Dad is waiting for us.”
Molly received the same welcome as the first time she came to the apartment. Adam’s Aunt Flo met her in the hall as soon as the elevator door opened and came forward with open arms. She embraced her enthusiastically, then held her away and looked at her.
“Such beautiful golden hair, such lovely skin and innocent eyes. Adam, I was afraid I had dreamed her,” she exclaimed.
“She’s real all right, Aunt Flo.” He looked down proudly as his aunt turned her toward the sitting room. He caught Molly’s eye and lifted his eyebrows with questionable humor. A feeling of guilt flooded over her. The deceit they were practicing was abhorrent to her. This dear little lady was so ready and willing to accept her. Molly knew she could grow to love her as well as Adam’s father.
They entered the sitting room and found the old man in a chair by the fireplace. His eyes were on the door as they came through it, and as they came forward he had eyes only for Molly. To her he looked much the same as he did the last time they were there and she went to him immediately, genuinely glad to see him again. She forgot Adam and the part she was supposed to play. She took his frail hand and bent to kiss his wrinkled cheek.
“Hello, Papa,” she said softly. She was surprised at the strength of the hand that held hers.
“Hello, daughter,” the weak voice replied. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming back to see me.”
“Oh, yes, I was coming,” she said archly, “but I had a bout with the flu and didn’t want to bring you my bugs.”
He chuckled and looked at Adam. “Hello, son.” The dimmed eyes which took in the tall, dark-haired figure that bent over him were filled with love and admiration.
“How are you, Dad?” Adam’s face held the look Molly had seen before when he greeted his father.
She looked from father to son and felt a warm glow as if she were witness to a rare and wonderful thing. The love and admiration they each had for each other were obvious. There must be some fifty-odd years between their ages, she thought, but there is no generation gap here.
“Sit down, sit down,” the old man was saying.
Adam pulled a footstool up close to his father’s chair for Molly because the old man had not released her hand. He sat opposite them and stretched out his long legs. Molly flushed when she met his eyes and looked away. She wished he would leave. She sincerely liked his father and didn’t want him thinking she was play-acting. He settled himself to stay so she decided she would have to try and forget he was there.
“So you’re going to stay two nights.” The father was addressing the son.
“We’ll be staying tonight and tomorrow night. Tomorrow night I’m taking Molly out on the town.”
Oh, no, not that again, she thought. She didn’t dare look at him lest he see the fright in her eyes.
“Good, good.” Mr. Reneau looked at Molly affectionately. “Adam told me you had cut your hair, daughter. I was a little disappointed until he explained how hard it was to take care of, up there in the woods. Now, I think I like it. You’re young and there’s plenty of time for you to do it up like an old woman!” This was quite a long speech for the old man.
Molly gave an exasperated sigh. It was irritating to know they had discussed something as personal as her hair. At least Adam hadn’t told him she cut it in a fit of temper.
“Thank you for the earrings, Papa,” she said. “I would have worn them tonight, but I didn’t think diamond earrings were appropriate with a street dress.” She smiled at him mischievously.
“Adam’s mother was young like you when I gave them to her. she wore them almost every day.”
His face creased even more in a gentle smile.
Molly talked on and on. The old man hardly took his eyes from her face. She told him about the snow and the fun they had hitching Dog to the sled, about going to check Tim-Two’s trap lines, and the moose hunt in another week or so. She explained that they only took one moose a season and that was for the supply of meat. She also told him that she couldn’t stand to watch the butchering because if she did, she couldn’t eat a bite of the meat. He smiled and nodded his head and told her Adam’s mother was like that. She told him about the wolf tracks Adam found down by the lake. Glancing at Adam, she saw the amusement in his eyes and she turned her face stubbornly, and refused to look at him. She was sure she heard him chuckle and almost turned to glare at him. Just in time she controlled the desire and went on to tell about the wolverine sign Tim-Two had found, and also how fast their wood supply was going down due to the cold.
Adam sat quietly, never uttering a word. Molly was embarrassed that she had talked so much. He was lazing back in his chair, his eyes between the dark lashes were mere slits, but he had an impish grin on his face.
“Adam,” she said, exasperated at his silence. “Aren’t you going to say anything?”
“I couldn’t get a word in if I wanted to. Your mouth has been going ninety miles an hour.” That devilish look was in his eyes again, the one that was always there when he knew he was getting under her skin.
“Don’t mind him. You should be used to his teasing way, by now.” Mr. Reneau gently shook the hand that was still in his.
“I could . . . hit him, when he gets in that devilish mood,” she said heatedly.
The old man laughed so hard Molly was afraid for him. He laughed until the tears came. She looked at Adam; he was laughing too, so she guessed there was no danger to the old man.
“Good for you,” Mr. Reneau said finally. “Why don’t you try it sometime?”
“I just might do that!” Molly said with spirit.
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