by Dixie Land
Mr. Whitton looked quite solemn. “You do involve me, or I should say that I involve myself by giving you my statement, Miss Thornton.”
Maggie met his gaze in silence.
Abruptly, Calvin Whitton smiled at Maggie. “I’ll give you what you ask for. You’re a no-nonsense lady. I like that. If I need to become involved, if someone is trying to unethically maneuver you into something, I’m not quite sure what this is all about, you call on me, and I’ll set the record straight.”
“Thank you.” For the first time since their discussion began, Maggie smiled, too.
By the time she and Ross left the law office, she had given Mr. Whitton copies of the three death certificates and had signed all the legal insurance and court documents necessary. She also carried with her the all important letter stating that Kevin had called Mr. Whitton representing himself as Maggie’s attorney, written on Whitton White and Weston’s letterhead and signed by Calvin Whitton.
Mr. Whitton had told her that it should take about a week for the financial matters to be finalized. He had given her the option of having the funds deposited directly into her bank account or having a check from the firm’s escrow account sent directly to her. She had conferred with Ross on that matter. After discussion, Maggie told Mr. Whitton to send the check to her personally. This would give her a little more time to decide exactly how to handle this matter. She didn’t want any information of this newfound wealth leaking out around Serenity. News had a way of spreading in a small town, and Maggie wanted to avoid that if at all possible.
…
Once they were back in Ross’s car, Maggie said, “I appreciate the way you let me handle that meeting, Ross. I couldn’t help but think that if I’d been with Michael, he’d have stepped in right at the start and tried to do all the talking.”
“You didn’t need me to say anything, Maggie. You handled Mr. Whitton as one lawyer to another. Perhaps you missed your calling,” he chuckled.
Maggie looked at him. “Oh, I don’t know about that, but thanks, I’m grateful. I really mean it.”
Maggie looked at her watch. It was nearly four o’clock and traffic was beginning to become very congested in downtown Alexandria. “I think we’d better find a motel and go back in the morning, Ross. Suddenly I feel very tired. I guess that meeting was more wearing on me than I realized at the time.”
“You’re sure, Maggie?” he asked.
They had packed overnight bags just in case.
“I’m sure, Ross,” she said softly. “I’m very sure.”
ChapterEighteen
orty minutes later, Ross parked beneath the sheltered overhang at a Ramada Inn on the south side of Alexandria. “You wait here while I go in and register.” He set the emergency brake and turned off the ignition.
“Let me go. I want to pay for our room.”
“Did I hear you say ‘room,’ singular?” He asked with a grin spreading across his face. “And no, I won’t hear of it. You paying, I mean. Not the single room. Never let it be said that Ross Harrington is, or ever has been, a kept man.”
“You took the day off for me. It shouldn’t cost you.”
“Believe me, I didn’t do it just for you. I did it for us, and I’d have worried to think of you alone on the highway for such a long trip.”
“I made the trip to Serenity alone and did just fine,” she reminded him.
“That was then, before I knew you and loved you and before you were pregnant.” He caught the look in her eye. “All right. Two out of three. Anyway, I’m paying for the room, and that’s that. You wait here. I’ll register us and come back for you and our bags.”
“I give up,” she laughed, raising her arms skyward.
When Ross returned, he brought a luggage carrier with him. He popped the trunk and loaded their bags onto it. Maggie waited at the front door with their belongings, while Ross found a parking place.
He joined her moments later. “We’re lucky we weren’t any later. The man who registered right after I did got the last vacancy. As luck would have it, I had to take a king size bed.”
“I hope they have a comfortable chair for you to sleep in,” she countered and winked at him.
“You’re a hard-hearted little woman, Maggie Thornton.”
They rode the elevator to the second floor. They found their room at the far end of the hall. It looked to have been newly renovated and was very tastefully appointed. In addition to the bed, they had two easy chairs and a table, a desk and a compact refrigerator.
“Very nice. And look, Ross,” she said, pointing toward the corner of the room.“ You should be real comfortable if you pull that chair up to face the other one.”
He looked at her quite solemnly, “You’re serious, aren’t you?”
She walked over to him, wrapped her arms around his neck and brushed the corner of his mouth with her tongue ever so lightly. Then, she leaned into him and gave him a lingering kiss. “What do you think?” she whispered against his lips.
He pulled her even more tightly against him and answered with another kiss.
“You’d better stop that,” he whispered into her ear, “or I just might not let you leave the room for dinner.”
“Don’t forget. I’m eating for two, now.”
“What are you in the mood for? The desk clerk said there are several good restaurants close by.”
“Any place is fine with me. You choose,” she told him. She stepped out of his embrace and went into the bathroom to freshen up.
…
He chose a seafood restaurant, and they weren’t disappointed. Maggie’s broiled scallops were done to perfection, and Ross found the seafood variety platter he ordered equally enjoyable. Neither could finish everything on their plates.
“Let’s get a takeout box,” Maggie suggested. “I don’t have the heart to waste such delicious food, and we do have a fridge in our room.”
“You know we’ll probably throw it out in the morning,” Ross said. “But, I agree, it is too good to give up on just yet.”
…
It was nearly ten when they got back to their room. Maggie told Ross to go ahead and take his shower first. She had noticed an iron in the closet and wanted to press an outfit for tomorrow.
To her surprise, she began to feel a little ill at ease with this man she had always been so comfortable with. At first, she chalked it up to fatigue, then she had to admit that, for as much as she wanted Ross to make love to her, she knew he had been so in love with Melanie. She had to acknowledge that she feared he might compare her to his ex-wife. Perhaps she would come up short. What if she disappointed him? After all, she no longer had the figure she had when first she met him. On this, their first time, how would he feel about that? She could feel the butterflies beginning to stir in her stomach.
Ross stepped out of the bathroom wearing a forest green terry cloth robe, his hair still damp but neatly combed, and Maggie’s heart rate accelerated at the sight of him.
“Next,” he said, smiling as he motioned her toward the bathroom. “I’ll be waiting.” He pulled her tightly to him and kissed her.
The fresh, clean scent of him sent a thrill through her. She pressed her face against his chest through the opening in his robe and caressed it with her lips.
Moments later, when he released her, with a whispered, “Hurry,” she gathered her sleepwear from her suitcase and disappeared into the bathroom.
She couldn’t erase the sight and feel of him from her mind as she stood in the shower with the soothing, warm water washing over her, relaxing her and calming the butterflies. He had marvelous legs, firm and muscular. His shoulders were so broad, his waist so trim, and she found the way his robe lay open two thirds of the way down his chest so very sensual. She could feel herself becoming even more aroused.
Ten minutes later she emerged from the bathroom wearing a soft yellow cotton batiste full length nightgown with an empire waistline and spaghetti straps that accentuated her full breasts. Ross drew in his brea
th as he gazed at her.
“You’re so beautiful.” His voice had a husky quality.
She stepped into his embrace. His hands caressed her body, intensifying her desire for him. She stroked his chest softly for a moment as she kissed him. Then her hands moved downward and loosened the belt on his robe. Her fingers traced a path to his collarbone and she slid his robe off of his shoulders. He released her just long enough to let it fall to the floor. Then he reached for the straps of her gown and pushed them down off of her shoulders. He kissed her eyelids, her lips, her cheek, then her neck and finally his lips found her breasts. Then, he swept her into his arms, carried her to the edge of the bed and gently laid her down. Still kissing her, he lowered himself over her. Maggie was lost in the pleasure of this moment and the man she loved. She no longer had any self-doubts. …
She had fallen asleep in his arms. She awakened a couple hours later to go to the bathroom. One of the curses of pregnancy, she called it. After she returned to their bed, she had relived their earlier moments of love making before drifting back to sleep. She had found Ross a wonderful lover. He was so tender and patient making sure to take plenty of time with her to insure her satisfaction. Maggie appreciated this all the more, because she knew it had been a long time for him. He had been highly aroused from the beginning, but she had still been his main concern. How could Melanie have ever walked away from that kind of love? And then, all Maggie could think of, was that she would be forever grateful to her for doing so. This had been the most wonderful night of Maggie’s life.
Within moments, she drifted into sleep with a faint smile on her lips. His handsome face was the first sight to greet Maggie’s eyes when she awakened the next morning.
They slept fairly late for both of them. Ross made coffee in their room, and Maggie read several articles aloud from the complimentary USA Today that was left outside their door.
“You know, this is like being married, getting up late on a Saturday morning and having coffee while we read the paper together. At least the way I picture marriage,” he added, “feels good to me.”
“It is good,” Maggie agreed. “And so comfortable.” She looked at him with his hair tussled from sleep and wearing the green robe she found so sensuous. But what gave her the most satisfaction was how happy he seemed these days. She couldn’t suppress her pleasure.
“What are you smiling about?” He asked her, running his hands through his hair to smooth it back.
“Just you, Ross. I’m smiling at you because I love you, and I feel like the luckiest person on earth.”
He smiled at her for a moment then rose from his chair at the table, walked around to her seat and gently pulled her to her feet. He kissed her tenderly then whispered into her ear, “How can you be when I am?”
...
It was after one before they left the motel and headed for North Carolina.
Traffic was lighter as it was a Saturday, and they were able to make good time. When they reached the Raleigh area it was still light.
“I’d like to stop at a phone booth and look up the address of the law firm Kevin Williams works for. Is that all right with you, Maggie?”
“Why?”
“Well, I’ve been thinking. Since we have that letter from Calvin Whitton, I’d like to make a copy of it and confront Kevin with it. Who knows what I may find out that way.”
“I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps it would prove interesting. But, would you rather I did it, maybe the next time he comes to town?”
“Absolutely not. I don’t trust that bastard. I don’t want you around him. No, I plan to meet him on his own turf. I’ll come up to see him the first of the week.”
They found a phone book, looked up the address, and rode by. It was a large impressive building of glass and stone. There was an immense, man-made pond with a fountain to the side of the building. Flower gardens with a picnic area surrounded the pond on three sides.
“Not bad working conditions, wouldn’t you say?”
“Not bad, is right,” she agreed.
When they arrived in Serenity it was nearly seven o’clock. “Let’s stop by my place and fix something to eat, Maggie. I’m not ready to give you up yet.”
…
Ross put a couple steaks on the grill while Maggie fixed a tossed salad.
She had set the kitchen table, poured him a glass of wine and had the candles lit when he came in from the deck with the steaks.
“Now that’s what I call a perfect ending to a perfect day. Well not quite the perfect ending but a prequel to it.” He leaned down and kissed her.
“I hear you.” She smiled at him as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
…
It was midnight when they left his place and drove back to town. “I’d like to keep you with me tonight. No one would know whether we were back or not.”
“Oh, yes, they would, Ross. You know this town has eyes everywhere.”
“Maggie, let’s set a date. Let’s make it in the next couple weeks. This weekend has spoiled me. I don’t want to be without you another day.”
Chapter Nineteen
t nine-thirty the following Tuesday, Ross left his home and headed for Raleigh. He carried along a copy of the letter Mr. Whitton had given Maggie. Before leaving, he called Kevin’s office to make sure that he would be in that day. He hadn’t tried to make an appointment; he didn’t want to give Kevin the opportunity to turn him down. He’d take his chances just showing up.
A little over an hour later he stepped onto the elevator in Kevin’s office building and pressed the third-floor button. He found the office Kevin shared with one other attorney, rechecked the breast pocket of his suit for the letter, opened the door and stepped inside.
The plump, graying receptionist was talking on the phone, so Ross took an empty seat and waited. There was one other man sitting in the waiting area.
When the woman hung the receiver up, she addressed the man who had been there when Ross arrived.
“Who are you here to see, sir?”
“I have an appointment with George Stillwell. I may be a few minutes early,” he said.
She buzzed Mr. Stillwell then turned back to the man. “You can go on in now,” she told him.
“And you, sir. Do you have an appointment?”
“I’m here to see Kevin Williams,” Ross said matter-offactly.
She glanced at a book that Ross assumed was an appointment book. “What is your name?” she asked.
“Ross Harrington.”
“I don’t see you scheduled in for today.”
“Would you please ask Mr. Williams if he’ll be kind enough to see me for a few minutes?”
She buzzed Kevin’s office. “There’s a gentleman here to see you.” And, then to Ross, “I’m sorry, what did you say your name was, sir?”
“Harrington. Ross Harrington.”
She repeated the name to Kevin then listened for a moment. “Certainly.” She turned to Ross. “Mr. Williams is tied up for the entire day and won’t be able to see you, Mr. Harrington. He asked me to give you his regrets.”
Ross looked at the receptionist for a moment before rising and walking through the door of Kevin’s office. She rose immediately and started after him.
“Sir, you can’t go in there.” Her voice was shrill, nervous. She was at Ross’s heels as he stepped inside Kevin’s office. “Sir! Please.”
On seeing Ross, Kevin jumped to his feet and dropped the paperback he had been reading.
“You don’t look so busy to me, Kevin.”
Kevin’s face paled. “What the hell do you want with me, Harrington?”
The receptionist gasped. “Sir,” she asked in a high pitched voice, “shall I call security?”
“I wouldn’t advise that, Kevin,” Ross said calmly. “I met with Calvin Whitton on Friday, and I have a letter with me that I think you’ll find very interesting.”
Kevin looked Ross in the eye then nodded at his secretary. “It’s all right, M
adeline. I’ll see Mr. Harrington. I’ll buzz you if I need anything.”
The woman looked relieved. “Certainly, Mr. Williams.” Then, looking sternly at Ross, she found her normal voice, “I’ll be right outside.”
Ross found it amusing. For an instant, he pictured the woman with a baseball bat awaiting Kevin’s cry for help.
When they were alone, Kevin said, “Now, Harrington, sit down, and tell me what this is all about.”
Ross and Kevin were sequestered behind the office door for more than an hour before Ross left. Once on the road again, he glanced at his watch. No wonder he felt hungry. He decided to stop at a Cracker Barrel restaurant before heading back to Serenity. He took his cell phone in with him, and, while he was eating, it rang. It was Lil.
“I’m sorry to interrupt you, Ross. But all of a sudden we have a slew of prescriptions coming in. I just wondered when you’d be back, ‘cause you have several hours work here. I’ll stay late and help you if you need me. I can start filling them but I can’t dispense them without you here.”
“Just wait for me. Thanks, Lil. I’m on my way.”
…
Ross parked behind the drugstore, hurried inside and traded his suit jacket for a lab coat. Lil was busy in the pharmacy unpacking a shipment.
“You made it back in good time. Where’d you go, Ross, or is it a secret?” she asked with a grin.
“It’s a secret for now, little lady.” He winked at her.
“Okay, be that way.” She was still smiling, but Ross could tell she was really curious.
“Now,” he said, sorting through the pile of prescriptions on his spindle, “what’s with all this? There wasn’t a one when I checked with you mid-morning.”
“It’s the flu,” Lil said. “We’ve had one after another either called in or brought by personally. I told everyone I’d phone them when they were ready for pick up.”
“Then let’s get busy,” he said reaching for a large container of cough syrup. “Before I get started, I need to make a call.” He put the bottle down, stepped to his phone and dialed a number.
“Is Maggie available?” He waited.
“Hi,” he said. “I wanted you to know I’m back, and, I guess you already know this, we’re snowed under here. I’ll probably be a lot later than Lil tonight. I’ll send her home after we notify folks that their medications are ready, but I’ll stay on and dispense them and any advice necessary to go with them. There are a couple here that I’ll have to deliver myself. All that aside, it went pretty well today,” he continued in hushed tones. “I’ll be surprised if we have any more problems from Kevin. Let’s meet at the sandwich shop for lunch tomorrow, and I’ll fill you in on everything.”
